Some people have concrete goals, and they work for them without losing motivation or energy, but not everyone has the same energy. People who aren’t naturally motivated can look for ways to uplift their motivation and interests. Allah (SWT) has blessed us with the power to do it, so we must use it to better our lives.
How can you stay motivated continuously to complete a project that takes days to months? How can you stick to your goal when it doesn’t go as you planned? If you have these issues, you are not alone because most of us can relate to you.
Especially, I’m with you. Lack of motivation isn’t a new thing for me because I’ve been there several times. Before we talk about it, I want to say how powerful Surah Muzzammil is! This Surah boosts my mood whenever I feel low. Now it has become my go-to Surah to enhance motivation.
No, we will not talk about Surah Muzzammil but let’s discuss some Islamic tips to find motivation.
Intention Works Wonders
“Innamal a’malu binniyat – every action depends on its intention.”
This is a real booster for anyone who’s not feeling great or losing motivation. If you want to do something, you must have a valid reason to do it. There should be an intention to begin a certain activity because it fuels the interest to do the work.
For example, I’m working because it adds value to my existence, and I intend to find value. But it doesn’t mean you should have the same intention as mine. Maybe you intend to become financially stable, and that’s great.
What matters is to have something that drives us towards our goal. If you don’t have an intention, you’re clueless as to what to do.
It’s imperative to set our intentions right. Once we do it, we’ll see clear objectives, and that’ll help us understand our next steps.
Make sure to write down your intention and the steps to achieving it. By doing so, you will be able to get back to it whenever you feel your motivation draining.
Knowledge Enhances Clarity
It’s important to understand why we must seek knowledge. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran,
“Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created – Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not” [Quran, 96:1-5].
Islam encourages you to seek knowledge because it gives clarity to think better and make the right decision. Likewise, when you seek the knowledge, you understand that your cause is important. Therefore, lacking the motivation to do your work or task comes at a cost.
It will also help you stay away from the things that Allah has forbidden. You will understand Shaitan’s plot against you.
For example, if you plan to do something productive, and your mind is toying with the idea of watching something on YouTube, you need clarity. You can achieve this clarity through perspective and knowledge. If you understand that it’s Shaitan, who’s triggering you, the productive task will not be put off for later.
Also, you will not lose the motivation to do it. When you gather knowledge, you see things with a different mindset, which will only help you stay on the right track.
Awareness Is Amazing
If you are not aware of your behaviors’ outcome, you will definitely engage in impermissible things. As we know the outcome, we stay away from the things that Allah (SWT) has forbidden.
But the same awareness isn’t applied in working or studying, which is why we lack motivation. It is not the only reason, but it is one of the reasons to lack motivation as a student or an employee.
If you want to keep up the motivation, you need to create awareness. Think about the consequences of not completing the task in the given time or think about the workload you will have if you don’t meet this week’s work.
Piling up work will only increase stress. Therefore, you need to attend to those. For that to happen, you must have the motivation.
To create or fuel motivation, you must be aware of the outcome of the things you are putting off. Awareness is amazing because it is like a reminder.
For example, why do we fast? There are lots of benefits of fasting, but along with that, we also gain Allah’s pleasure. We are aware of it, so even if it is hard to abstain from food and water, we still do it. The awareness and realization of fasting push us to do it with our heart and soul.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The breath of the fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”
Supplications Are Special
As Muslims, we know that dua is special. Asking dua is the best way to reach Allah (SWT). We believe that without His help, there’s nothing that we cannot achieve.
This applies to the topic that we are discussing. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, reciting the Quran is a practical way to get the motivation to do something.
But that’s not the only way to seek Allah’s help to increase motivation. It would help if you also asked a lot of dua because Allah (SWT) wants you to ask.
Asking Allah (SWT) will definitely help you increase your interest or motivation to do your work. But remember, it’s not enough.
You have to follow other tips that I’ve mentioned. No matter how many articles or blogs you read, you will not be able to increase the motivation if you don’t make an effort.
Your effort matters, and it’s an underlying fact to increase your interest.
“Remember Me, I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not reject Faith. O you who believe, seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.” –Al-Baqarah 2:152-153
Before you leave, here are some bonus tips to follow:
- Think about the blessings to get that natural motivation.
- Stick to a workout routine.
- Thank Allah (SWT) and stay connected to Him.
- Prioritize quality.
- Stay relentless about your goals and dreams.
- Create your space.
- Develop a stable and calm mindset.
- Be happy.
