When Motivation Starts To Disappear In February (And How I Combat This)
2/13/2026
By Serena M.
Look, January started strong for me: I had goals, energy, and big plans. We’ve reached February, and it’s starting to feel like the sky is just gray, it's freezing outside, and all of that motivation I had is going, going, gone. If this is how you've been feeling recently, you're not alone.
Around February is actually when most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. Let’s dive into why it happens and how I’m keeping myself on track for my resolutions.
Step One: Remembering I'm Not Lazy, I'm Just Human
The first step to staying on track for my New Year's resolution was eliminating negative self-talk. Beating myself up about it isn’t going to help me stay on track; it will likely do the opposite. There is real hard data that lies behind why motivation crashes for people. That New Year’s excitement has now worn off, the weather in Northeast Ohio is brutal (yikes, that snowstorm in January), and seasonal affective disorder is making everything feel, well, sad.
Please understand: this is normal, it’s not just happening to you, and most importantly, this isn’t a personal failure.
Step Two: Learning to Stop Relying on Motivation Alone
Honestly, sometimes motivation is truly unreliable. It comes and goes like snow during an Ohio Winter. I used to wait around thinking motivation was just going to strike, but over time, I have learned that’s not how it works. You have to build systems and habits into your everyday life and routine to stay on top of everything, even when you really don’t feel like it.
For me, I can’t “work out when I feel motivated.” Instead, I have to create a specific habit to hold myself to doing it, I have to put it in my calendar, and inform my friends. I exercise every night after work; this is routine now. Removing the decision-making behind the activity makes me just show up and do it, even when I don't want to.
Step Three: Break Down Your Goals
Don’t set yourself huge goals. When goals feel unachievable, they’re going to make you want to give up. I love setting micro-goals: instead of getting healthy, I am reaching my goal to drink enough water every day. Instead of getting straight A’s, I study a bit extra every night. Baby steps build more momentum than you think, and they add up. You will be surprised how far you can go.
Step Four: Optimize Your Environment
Look, your environment can either work with you or against you. Try making small changes to support your goals over time.
I optimize my home to avoid excuses and encourage action: workout clothes go on my bed, my phone charger stays away from my study space, healthy snacks live on the counter, and unhealthy snacks live in the closet.
Step Five: Don’t Be A Perfectionist
Stop being so hard on yourself. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be accountable and show up for yourself and your goals.
If you missed a few days at the gym, don’t just give up; start fresh with a new streak. Sure, this doesn’t feel great, I know that firsthand, but give yourself permission to not be your own worst enemy.
Progress isn't linear. Motivation slumps aren’t going to magically go away; just remember you aren’t alone, and stop being so hard on yourself; it’s okay. I challenge you to keep showing up this year, even if your progress feels insignificant or isn’t perfect.
About the Author: My name is Serena. I am a transition-aged youth in Northeast Ohio who is learning how to navigate adulthood one step at a time alongside all of you. I have faced my fair share of challenges, but I have learned from each experience. I want to share how I see the world, advocate for myself, and keep moving forward. My story is still being written, and it’s rooted in growth, resilience, and figuring things out as I go.