It’s the beginning of a new year and it feels like everyone is motivated. People are inspired to work out, eat better, and pray more. It’s the idea of starting over and getting a fresh start that will fuel you forward. I know for me, anytime there is something new I’m 100% focused and engaged. Then time chugs on, the newness fades, the fresh start is gone and so is my motivational spirit.
There is nothing worst for a youth minister than when the fire is gone professionally. Maybe your inspiration has been snuffed out by a negative comment, a boat load of work or a spiritual battle that is occurring in your life. When you go through a funk the question of, “How long will this last?” looms in your mind. You need to get that fire back. You need to find the inspiration. But, how?
When you lose your motivation and inspiration you need to:
- Do What You Enjoy: Whether it’s going for a walk, watching your favorite movie or cooking your favorite dish, you need to tap into those hobbies and experiences that bring joy into your life. Many times your motivation is lost because you’ve burned from working too much. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes, take the time to do something mindless that fills you with joy.
- Find A Cheerleader: Now this doesn’t mean go to your local school to hire one out. It means find someone (Or a few people) you can feel vulnerable with. These people should know what to say, and how to push you in the right direction. Some suggestions of cheerleaders should be family, a small group or or a network of fellow youth ministers. Even if life is good make sure you don’t walk alone.
- Write Out Your Frustration: When hitting a creative block it’s easy to build up frustration. If there is no outlet for your emotions then they will only build up. Write them down in a medium you feel most comfortable. It could be a journal, or an email to a close friend, just be sure to honestly express what’s going on. Writing it out will help you make your emotions tangible. And when your emotions are tangible it’s easier to discover the issues that stand in the way.
- Keeping Pushing: There will be times when you just feel like staying in bed. These are the times when you need to will yourself forward. Even if it’s a matter of just getting to work, sitting at your desk and being present you can help yourself move forward. There will be periods in your ministry when you face depression, chaos and frustration that will hold you back. It’s in those times you need to lean in.
Losing motivation can be an exhausting process. A season like this can last for a day and it can endure for a year. Either way you should not face it alone. One of the best ways you can stay motivated in youth ministry is by surrounding yourself with other youth workers. Listen to their stories and share in their experiences. You’ll be surprised how they will move you forward.
How do you self motivate?