Self-Help is an $11 billion dollar industry, with a decent portion of those books focusing primarily on how to become more motivated or find the inspiration to live a more enlightened life. The public is hungry for this knowledge, but truthfully, if you are already lacking motivation, how likely are you to pick up a book that makes you realize just how bad the situation is. On top of that, you have to be motivated make the effort to change.

Everyone wants to be positive. The people we see who have that type of lifestyle spark envy in us. We all want a life with purpose and meaning; to wake up in the morning ready to take on the world and its challenges, knowing that those problems are solvable, and that knowledge helps you sleep at night.

The difficulty I have (and possibly many others do as well), is that once I fall into the unmotivated trap, it is one heck of a struggle to get out. The foremost issue is that most “remedies” for the doldrums require motivation. People will tell you to go for a run, set yourself deadlines, and use the buddy system. What part of “I’m unmotivated” do you not understand? I need a few more rungs on that ladder before I can reach that level.

That’s where inspiration comes in, but even that is difficult considering the circumstances. In my eyes, inspiration is the first step to finding motivation.

Here is a brief list of things that I find motivational and inspirational; some things that I should probably be doing to get my life back on track. Maybe you can relate.

• Take a long hot shower/bath
• Pinterest
• Spending time with positive people
• Taking a walk in the woods
• Find a friend so that you can help motivate each other
• Go to an art show or performance
• Find something to look forward to
• Sing. Loud. In the car. During rush hour
• Start small
• Make it a game (Marry Poppins was a smart gal)
• Escape your brain.
• Read a book, watch a movie, listen to music
• Cry. Let it all out

Help me add more. Believe me, I need suggestions.