The Motivation-Rest Cycle: A Healthier Approach to Productivity in 2025

Hello! Happy New Year and Happy GO Month!

I’m thrilled to kick off General Life Maintenance’s first-ever blog and social media campaign during this inspiring time of year. January is often a season of reflection and renewal—a chance to set intentions, build momentum, and focus on what matters most.

It’s also GO Month—a nationwide initiative led by the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Short for Get Organized & Be Productive, GO Month shines a spotlight on how, as NAPO explains, “NAPO members improve the lives of their clients by helping them create environments that support productivity, general health, and well-being.”

As a proud NAPO member, I’m excited to celebrate GO Month with you and share practical strategies for aligning with your energy and embracing the fresh start this season offers.

The Energy of the New Year

January often carries a unique energy—one of change, growth, and endless possibilities. For many, the new year feels like a wave to ride, propelling us toward our goals with optimism and enthusiasm. The crisp start of a new calendar creates a sense of hope: This year will be different.

But what happens when that wave doesn’t come? What if, instead of feeling invigorated, you find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, or unmotivated? Seasonal Affective Disorder, burnout, or lingering stress from the holidays can leave many feeling disconnected from the excitement of the new year.

Here’s where shame often sneaks in. We may wonder: What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I get it together like everyone else? The truth is, feeling low-energy or unmotivated is not a personal failure—it’s a natural part of being human. Energy ebbs and flows, influenced by external stressors and internal rhythms.

One way to embrace the energy of the new year is to release the unrealistic expectations that perfectionism imposes on us. Life is messy, and so are our journeys. Instead of striving to do everything perfectly or comparing yourself to others, lean into radical acceptance. Embrace where you are, imperfections and all, and focus on the opportunities within the present moment rather than where you think you “should” be.

Radical acceptance doesn’t mean giving up on goals or growth; it means letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out right away. It’s about saying, This is my starting point, and that’s okay. From this place of self-compassion, you can harness the energy you have—even if it’s just a spark—and use it to take one small, meaningful step forward.

Understanding the Motivation-Rest Cycle

Rest is the foundation of sustainable energy. When we deny ourselves the time to recharge, we risk falling into a cycle of diminished motivation and eventual burnout. As defined by researchers Christina Maslach and Michael P. Leiter, “Burnout is a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors.” It manifests in three key dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of professional inefficacy.

Burnout doesn’t just impact the individual; it can affect personal relationships, workplace performance, and overall health, creating ripple effects throughout communities and organizations. According to Maslach and Leiter, burnout impairs physical and psychological health and diminishes both the quality of work and the ability to function socially. Without intervention, the demands for rest will only compound over time, leading to a deeper state of exhaustion that becomes harder to recover from.

On the other hand, honoring your need for rest before burnout takes hold creates space for renewed energy, focus, and engagement. By listening to your body and mind and taking breaks when needed, you build resilience and maintain your ability to work toward your goals effectively.

This doesn’t mean abandoning your ambitions during low-energy periods. Instead, approach these times with self-compassion and realistic expectations. Small, thoughtful actions—like organizing a single drawer or jotting down your intentions—can align with your current energy levels and set the stage for future progress.

By prioritizing rest as part of your productivity strategy, you’re not only safeguarding your well-being but also ensuring that your energy remains sustainable in the long run.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Energy

Capitalize on High-Energy Periods
When motivation strikes, make the most of it! Break larger tasks into manageable steps, and set realistic goals to maintain your momentum. Use this time to tackle tasks that require more focus or creativity, but remember to pace yourself. Consistency often beats intensity when it comes to sustained productivity.
Honor Low-Energy Days
Allow yourself to rest without guilt. Low-energy days are natural and necessary, and pushing through them can lead to burnout. Instead, focus on one small task that feels manageable. Small actions can create a sense of accomplishment while still honoring your need for rest.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small it may seem. Each small win builds momentum, boosts your confidence, and reinforces self-trust. Whether it’s crossing one task off your to-do list or spending five focused minutes on a project, take a moment to appreciate your effort. These celebrations can create a positive feedback loop, fueling your energy and motivation for what’s next.
Set Boundaries Around Your Energy
Protect your energy by setting clear boundaries with others and yourself. Say “no” to additional commitments when you’re feeling stretched thin, or carve out uninterrupted time for focused work during high-energy periods. Boundaries help ensure you’re using your energy intentionally and sustainably.
Tune Into Your Natural Rhythms
Pay attention to when you feel most alert and productive during the day. Are you a morning person, or do you hit your stride in the afternoon? Align your most important tasks with these natural peaks in energy. Similarly, reserve low-energy times for less demanding activities, like responding to emails or organizing your workspace.
Practice Self-Compassion
Remind yourself that energy ebbs and flows—it’s part of being human. Needing rest doesn’t mean you’re failing; it’s a sign you’re listening to your body. Speak to yourself with kindness, just as you would to a friend, and let go of any guilt associated with taking breaks.

Working with Your Energy, Not Against It

In our society, we’re often told that constant productivity is the key to success. The “hustle culture” mantra pushes us to believe that if we just work harder, longer, or faster, we’ll achieve the life we want. But this mindset can set us up for disappointment and burnout, especially when we push ourselves too hard without listening to what our minds and bodies need.

Perfectionism and people-pleasing often compound this problem. The drive to meet others’ expectations—or our own impossibly high standards—can leave us stuck in a cycle of overcommitting and overworking. We may fear letting others down or feel that our worth is tied to how much we accomplish. But constantly prioritizing others’ needs or chasing perfection can leave us depleted, disconnected from ourselves, and unable to show up fully for what truly matters.

It’s time to challenge the idea that rest is unproductive. Rest is not a luxury or an indulgence—it’s a necessity. Rest is the quiet space where we refill our emotional and physical reserves, allowing us to move forward with clarity and purpose. Think of it as part of the Motivation/Rest Cycle: just as winter is a time for nature to slow down and replenish, we, too, need periods of rest and reflection.

Embracing rest requires letting go of shame. Rest isn’t something you need to “earn.” You don’t need to justify why you’re taking a break, nor do you need to feel guilty about prioritizing your well-being. Reframing rest as a productive and essential part of life can help dismantle the internalized pressure to always be “on.”

Radical acceptance also comes into play here. Life will never be perfectly balanced, and that’s okay. Accepting this imperfection allows you to stop fighting against reality and start working with what’s in front of you. When you acknowledge that your energy will fluctuate and that your time and resources are finite, you can focus on what matters most and let go of the rest.

Working with your energy—not against it—means recognizing your limits and embracing the messy, imperfect process of being human. It’s a reminder that productivity isn’t just about how much you can accomplish; it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values and supports your well-being.

But what about when your ability to rest feels out of reach?

Resting When Life Feels Relentless

For many people, rest isn’t always easy to come by. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job (or multiple jobs), raising small children, or navigating financial stress, finding time to recharge can feel impossible. In these situations, it’s essential to focus on harm reduction—making the most of the time, energy, and resources you have, while keeping your well-being as a priority.

Focus on What’s Within Your Control
Look for small ways to cut back or delegate where possible. Can you let go of a nonessential commitment, simplify your routine, or ask for help from a trusted friend or family member? Recognizing where you have agency, even in small ways, can make a big difference.
Redefine Rest
Rest doesn’t have to mean a long vacation or hours of uninterrupted downtime. For some, rest might be 10 quiet minutes in the car before heading into work, savoring a cup of tea, or sneaking in a short nap. Reflect on what feels restorative to you and integrate those moments whenever possible.
Balance Rest with Engagement
While rest is vital, engagement in life’s joys and connections can also replenish your energy. Building time for activities that nurture your spirit—whether that’s spending time with friends, exploring a hobby, moving your body, or trying something new—can help you feel more grounded and fulfilled.
Integrate Rest into Community
Community and rest are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes, rest is sharing a meal with a loved one or laughing with a group of friends. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can provide emotional rest and help you recharge.
Find Small Moments of Novelty and Growth
Novelty—trying new experiences or continuing to learn—can refresh your mind and combat the monotony of relentless responsibilities. Even something as simple as reading a new book, exploring a different route on a walk, or learning a quick skill online can invigorate your mental energy.

By focusing on what is within your control and embracing rest in all its forms—physical, emotional, and social—you can find balance even in the busiest seasons of life. Remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity that allows you to show up as your best self in all areas of your life.

Thriving Through Challenges: Self-Accommodation for Disabilities

For those living with disabilities—whether mental, physical, or both—managing energy and finding rest can feel even more challenging. The traditional frameworks for productivity and rest often don’t account for the unique barriers faced by individuals navigating chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or physical limitations. That’s why self-accommodation and simplifying life are essential tools for creating balance and sustainability.

A Framework for Creating Systems That Work for You

Every disability is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Instead of focusing on one-size-fits-all solutions, try approaching your challenges with a flexible framework:

Identify a Problem or Need: What task, routine, or situation feels most difficult or draining? For example, is preparing meals exhausting, or is managing appointments overwhelming?
Brainstorm Potential Solutions: Think about what might make this task easier. Could it be simplifying the process, using a tool or device, or delegating the task? Consider solutions at various levels of effort and cost.
Experiment and Adapt: Test the solutions that seem feasible given your energy, resources, and budget. If one doesn’t work, refine it or try another option. The goal is to find systems that reduce the strain on your hardest days, not to achieve perfection.

For example, if cooking feels daunting, solutions might include preparing meals in batches when you have more energy, relying on pre-prepped grocery items, or seeking support from friends, family, or local meal programs.

Delegate Where Possible

Delegating tasks can help lighten your load, giving you more time and energy to focus on what truly matters. Professional organizers, like me, specialize in helping individuals create customized systems to streamline life, making daily tasks more manageable. Whether it’s setting up accessible storage, creating a sustainable cleaning schedule, or finding ways to reduce clutter, a professional organizer can help you design solutions that fit your unique needs.

If professional help isn’t in the budget, there are often free or low-cost alternatives:

Local Nonprofits and Charities: Many organizations offer services like meal delivery, transportation, or home assistance for individuals with disabilities. Contact local social service agencies or search online for programs in your area.
Mutual Aid and Community Groups: Look for disability-specific or neighborhood-focused groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or Nextdoor. These networks often provide support with everyday tasks or connect you to local resources.
Friends and Family: While it can feel vulnerable to ask for help, many loved ones are happy to lend a hand. Be clear and specific about what you need—whether it’s help with errands, childcare, or home repairs. And just as importantly, let go of any shame about asking. Needing help doesn’t make you less capable or independent; it makes you human. Recognizing and communicating your needs is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Building a Supportive Foundation

Living with a disability often requires creativity and resilience to navigate a world that isn’t always designed with accessibility in mind. Rest is an essential part of this process—not as an endpoint, but as a tool to recharge and refocus. It can mean allowing yourself moments of stillness without pressure, embracing self-care in ways that feel meaningful, or finding joy in small, intentional actions.

At the same time, self-accommodation and community connection can help expand your realm of possibility. By building systems that work for your unique needs, seeking support, and collaborating with others, you can uncover new ways to approach challenges and pursue your goals. Whether it’s connecting with advocacy groups, exploring local resources, or leaning on friends and family, community offers both practical assistance and a reminder that you’re not alone.

By embracing self-accommodation and fostering these connections, you can move beyond the limitations society tries to impose and create a life that reflects your aspirations, strengths, and unique journey. Asking for help and designing a life that honors your needs are not signs of weakness—they’re powerful acts of empowerment and self-determination.

Go Forth and Honor Your Energy

As we celebrate GO Month, let’s embrace productivity with balance and mindfulness. By working with your energy—whether it’s a surge of motivation or a quiet need for rest—you can create a rhythm that supports your well-being all year long.

How will you honor your energy this month and this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Let’s make this GO Month a time of growth, connection, and self-compassion.

Sources

“In January NAPO Celebrates #GOMonth2025” NAPO National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (https://www.napo.net/general/custom.asp?page=GOMonth)

Maslach, Christina, and Michael P. Leiter. Stress: Concepts, Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior. Academic Press, 2016. pp. 351-357.