From Katie:
Hey friend,
We all hit those walls sometimes—when even the things we want to do feel like a mountain to climb. I've been there more times than I can count. Between running my businesses, managing ADHD, and navigating real life (which is anything but predictable), I’ve learned a few tricks for getting myself back in motion. If you're feeling stuck, I hope this gives you a little spark to keep going.
How to Reignite Motivation When You’re Feeling Stuck
Even the most passionate, driven people get stuck. One day, you're on fire with ideas—and the next, you're staring at your to-do list like it's written in another language. Motivation can be slippery like that. But getting stuck doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means it’s time to shift gears and gently reignite that spark.
Here’s how to do just that:
1. Pause with Purpose
Instead of forcing productivity, give yourself permission to rest. Rest is not the enemy—it’s fuel. Even a 30-minute break to do something enjoyable (with zero expectations) can recharge your brain and reset your perspective.
2. Reflect Without Judgment
Ask yourself: What’s really going on? Are you overwhelmed? Burned out? Disconnected from your goals? Naming the feeling helps remove its power and opens up space for solutions.
3. Revisit Your 'Why'
Sometimes the spark dims because we’ve drifted from our core purpose. Reconnect with why you started. Whether it’s a dream, a person, or a value—anchor yourself back to that.
4. Do One Tiny Thing
Momentum doesn’t need a grand gesture. Pick one micro-task and do it. Make the bed. Clear off your desk. Reply to a message. Action—even the smallest kind—creates energy.
5. Switch Up the Environment
Stuck energy thrives in stuck spaces. Rearrange your workspace, take a walk, or light a candle. New stimuli can jolt your brain out of autopilot and into inspiration.
6. Visualize the Aftermath
Close your eyes and imagine the feeling after you complete the thing you’re avoiding. Relief? Pride? Peace? Let that vision guide you forward.
7. Let Go of Perfection
Waiting for the “perfect moment” or “perfect plan” often leads to paralysis. Progress is messy. Start before you're ready. Magic usually happens in the doing, not the prepping.
Remember:
Getting stuck is human. But staying stuck isn’t your only option. You already have the spark inside you—you just have to give it some air.
You’ve got this.
Next Week’s Issue:
We’re diving into Bullet Journaling for Mental Clarity & Focus—because sometimes the answer isn’t more apps or more effort... it’s a notebook and a pen.
Stay tuned!
In Case You Missed It
Looking for more tips and tricks to put in your productivity toolbox? Ashes to Action, the official Phoenix on Fire Blog, is here to help! Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, a busy professional, or someone looking to bring balance and clarity into your life, this blog is packed with tools, tips, and inspiration to help you turn your goals into reality. If you missed it, here is a preview of last week's posts:
Planner Setup 101: Making Your Planner Work for You
A step-by-step guide to setting up your planner in a way that boosts organization and efficiency - because your planner should fit your life, not the other way around.
The Science of Habit Formation: How to Make New Habit's Stick
Discover the psychology behind habit-building and how you can use planners to reinforce positive routines and break bad ones.
This Week in Ashes to Action
Ashes to Action is set to bring the best tips, tricks, encouragement, and freebies to you twice weekly. Each Tuesday and Friday at 6:30 AM, you'll receive a new blog post! Here's what's coming to you this week:
Behind the Design: The Inspiration Behind Phoenix on Fire’s Flocks of a Feather Planner
A deep dive into the creative process behind Phoenix on Fire's current signature planner + insights into the design choices and features that make it unique.
Self-Care Strategies for Entrepreneur & Creatives
Running a business while staying creative is hard. Learn practical self-care techniques to prevent burnout while juggling your passions and responsibilities.
🔥 Spotlight: The Burnout Buster + Mini Study Planner Bundle 🔥
Feeling scattered, exhausted, or overwhelmed? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to push through it blindly.
The Burnout Buster is designed to help you reset without guilt. It guides you through gentle reflection, energy check-ins, and clarity prompts to help you figure out what’s draining you—and how to shift gears. Pair it with the Mini Study Planner, and you’ve got the perfect combo for easing back into focus without pressure.
Whether you’re navigating work, school, or creative goals, this bundle is your permission slip to slow down, realign, and move forward with intention.
Grab your bundle now and start fresh—on your own terms.