How to Stay Motivated When the World Is Falling Apart. When the world feels chaotic, life feels uncertain, and all our plans are shattered—that’s when motivation can be the hardest to find, whether it’s because of financial troubles, job loss, constant bad news, or the constant stress of personal life.
But it’s from this lowest point that many people begin their journey from ordinary to extraordinary. We’ve all been there: sitting alone, staring at the ceiling, wondering, “Will I ever get back up again?”
This article isn’t just a motivational read. It’s a warm hug for those struggling. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone and that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels dark.
“Sometimes chaos comes not to destroy us, but to make us stronger.”
When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: What Can We Do?
None of us can control the outside world. We can’t choose when a pandemic hits, when the economy collapses, or when we lose a loved one. But one thing we can choose is how we respond.
However, if we look deeper, the world isn’t completely messed up—it’s our perception of it that is. Negative thoughts, fears, and anxieties can cloud the reality that there is still hope. Find your true self to stay motivated by How to Change Negative Thinking Patterns to Positive, until you realize that there are still small things to be grateful for.
Try asking yourself: “What can I still control today?” The answer can be as simple as managing my sleep schedule, eating well, being able to enjoy my morning coffee, or writing in my morning journal.
By starting with the small things, we recreate the self-confidence that was lost.
In a personal context, we need to have a strong reason to keep going. When external motivation disappears, only internal motivation can save us.
Ask yourself again:
• Why am I starting this journey?
• Who am I fighting for? • What makes me proud?
Finding a meaningful reason can give us energy even when our bodies and minds want to give up.
1. Embrace the Chaos, But Don’t Live in It.
The first step to staying motivated when the world is falling apart is to accept that the chaos is real. Denying it will only prolong the pain. But acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. Acceptance is the foundation for moving forward.
Think of it this way: Our house may be damaged by a storm, but we still have the option to fix it. It may not be the same as it was, but it can be a new, even stronger place.
“When you can’t change the world, change yourself. That’s enough to get you started.”
2. Focus on the Circle of Control.
Instead of getting caught up in the things you can’t control, focus on the little things you can do today.
This concept is simple, but powerful. When the world feels crazy, ask yourself:
• What can I control?
• What can’t I control?
For example, you can’t control the rising price of groceries, but you can rearrange your monthly budget. You can’t change the bad news in the media, but you can reduce your consumption and replace it with positive readings, such as from Positive News.
3. Build Small Routines That Bring a Sense of Security.
When the world feels chaotic, routines are anchors that keep us stable. Just choose one or two simple routines:
• Wake up at the same time every day
• Write down 3 things you are grateful for
• Take a 15-30 minute morning walk
Small Habits Routines That Make You Greater, like this, help the brain feel that life still has structure. That’s where motivation begins to emerge slowly.
4. Don’t Get Trapped in the Digital World.
When life feels hard, we often run to social media. But instead of calming us down, it often makes us feel worse. Comparing our lives to others only adds to the pain.
Dare to do a “digital fast” even if it’s only for a few hours. Use that time to listen to inspirational podcasts, read motivational and self-help books, or just sit quietly without distractions.
5. Surround Yourself With Positive Energy.
Energy is contagious. If you surround yourself with pessimistic people, you will sink.
Find people who make you feel safe, understood, and supported. Whether it’s an old friend, a community group, or even a mentor, you can follow online.
You can also read real stories of people who rose from adversity. Like the story of Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, who rose from her life in disarray. Read his story at markmanson.net.
6. Have Small Daily Goals.
Amid chaos, we need a reason to get out of bed. Goals don’t have to be grandiose. Simply:
• Today, I want to say hello to my neighbor.
• Today, I will write a paragraph in my journal or read an article.
• Today I will sweep the yard and so on.
Small goals give a sense of accomplishment, which is essential for building motivation.
7. Change Your Perspective: See Exams as a Forming Process.
Motivation doesn’t come from an easy life. It grows from the wounds we learn from. Becoming more productive in your daily life can be a great motivator, and it’s not about big ambitions; it’s about being fully present in the moment. It’s from crises that we find new strength within ourselves.
Remember, many great people have come out of chaos. Oprah Winfrey was raised in poverty and abuse, but rose to become one of the most influential women in the world.
8. Make Room for Rest.
Motivation doesn’t always mean moving on. Sometimes, rest is the highest form of motivation. Don’t blame yourself for needing a break. When you rest, your soul is recharging.
Breathe. Sleep. Listen to music. That’s also a form of resistance to chaos.
9. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Writing.
Write down whatever you feel. Write down your worries. Write down your hopes. Write, even if no one reads it. Writing is a way to clear your heart of the burden that’s piled up.
Take 10 minutes every day to imagine the best version of yourself.
Feel what you’re wearing, what you’re accomplishing, and how you’re contributing. Visualization is a powerful form of motivation because it instills hope and direction.
Try journaling: write down 3 things you’re grateful for every night before bed.
10. Trust: This Will All Pass
No matter how dark the day is, morning always comes. No storm lasts forever. Trust me, you’ll get through this. You just have to keep going, one day at a time.
There is a story I once read.
Let’s call him Mr. Chan, a street food vendor in Shanghai. The pandemic hit his business so hard that he had to pawn his motorbike. But every morning, he still wakes up at 4, prepares his wares, and smiles at every customer who passes by.
When asked, “Why do I keep selling even though there are almost no buyers?” he replied, “If I stop, my child can’t go to school. I believe this storm will pass. But if I stay still, I will drown.
Stories like this are a reminder that the spirit of life does not depend on comfort, but on determination. The world may fall apart, but we can still stand tall.
“A person who keeps walking in the dark is the one who will find the light first.”
Conclusion:
The World Is Falling Apart, But You Don’t Have to Fall Apart
How your mindset today will determine the direction of your steps tomorrow. Finding motivation when the world is falling apart is not easy. But it is not impossible.
The key is to realize that you still have power over your own life. No matter how small your actions today, they are the seeds of hope for tomorrow.
Practicing acceptance, building simple routines, reducing negative exposure, and staying close to positive people—all of which will be fuel to rise.
The world may not be okay. But you can still choose to be okay. Don’t wait for the world to get better, then you rise. But rise, and the world will look better.
How About You Today?
Are you also feeling like your life is falling apart? Tell us in the comments column. Who knows, your story can be a strength for someone else, too.
And if you find this article helpful, please share it with the people you love. Because maybe, they also need the same motivational hug as what you read today.