Test: What mindset will help you find a new direction?

When you’ve been operating on an empty tank for some time, you can start to wonder if you’re just lazy or uncommitted.

But if you find yourself resisting making any decisions or putting anything into action, however much you tell yourself that things need to change, it may be that you’re depleted. When you're exhausted – whether that’s physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually – you won’t find motivation by giving yourself a hard time, or comparing yourself to others.

You need self-compassion and acceptance, and a willingness to acknowledge your own needs and limitations. Rather than focusing on what you’re not achieving, give yourself credit for simply functioning on days you’re not at your best. From there you’re in a position to work out what’s possible.

It’s logical to think you need to wait to feel motivated to start your life sort-out, but often momentum comes with action. Structure and goals will help, but what’s key is the right mindset, being OK with doing things your way – however long that might take. Think small steps taken slowly with plenty of time, space and flexibility to reconnect with your natural spark.

For you, motivation comes from the heart rather than the head and when you stop fighting with yourself for struggling, you may discover that your energy naturally revives.