Losing Control & Staying Motivated
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this career journey, it’s that progress isn’t always linear. Some weeks, I feel completely in control, checking off tasks, leading initiatives, and making strides toward my goals. Other weeks? It feels like I’m barely keeping up, struggling to stay motivated, and questioning if I’m doing enough. Lately, I’ve been in the latter phase, and it’s been a frustrating place to be.
As professionals, we all go through periods where we feel like we’re losing our grip-whether it’s due to workload, unexpected challenges, or just the overwhelming nature of balancing professional and personal aspirations. And if you’re someone who is deeply invested in career progression (like me), these moments can feel like major roadblocks. But the reality is, setbacks and dips in motivation are just part of the process. The key is figuring out how to navigate them.
Understanding the Root of the Feeling
The first thing I had to do was identify why I was feeling this way. Was it burnout? A lack of direction? Frustration with my pace of growth? I realized that much of my recent struggle stemmed from feeling like I wasn’t in control of my work the way I wanted to be. New challenges, shifting priorities, and external expectations can all make it seem like we’re playing catch-up rather than leading our own path.
Reframing the Narrative
One of the most helpful shifts I’ve made is moving away from the idea that every moment of my career needs to feel productive. Progress isn’t always about constant action-it’s also about reflection, learning, and even pausing when necessary. Just because things feel messy now doesn’t mean I’m failing; it just means I’m in a phase of recalibration.
Strategies to Regain Control & Motivation
If you’re feeling like you’re losing control at work or struggling to stay motivated, here are some things that have helped me:
Refocus on Small Wins – When the big picture feels overwhelming, I narrow my focus to small, tangible victories. Completing one task, making one decision, or even having a productive conversation can reignite a sense of progress.
Reassess Priorities – I’ve found that when I feel out of control, it’s often because I’m being pulled in too many directions. Taking a step back to reassess what truly matters in my role helps me regain focus.
Seek Clarity – If uncertainty is contributing to the feeling of being stuck, getting clarity (whether through conversations with a manager, revisiting goals, or breaking down projects into actionable steps) can help remove some of the mental clutter.
Give Yourself Grace – Not every week is going to be your best week. And that’s okay. Some weeks are about powering through, and others are about resting and regaining momentum.
Reconnect with Your 'Why' – In moments of doubt, I remind myself why I started on this path. What excites me about my career? What impact do I want to make? Reconnecting with that sense of purpose helps me push through moments of uncertainty.
A Work in Progress
This phase I’m going through? It’s temporary. And if you’re experiencing something similar, so is yours. The truth is, career growth isn’t just about milestones and promotions—it’s also about navigating the challenging moments with resilience. Losing control doesn’t mean you’re failing; it just means you’re evolving.
Until next time, Miranda.
