Do you feel like you're stuck in limbo between seasons? ESTO Group's Head of HR shares her thoughts on the fatigue that comes with the changing seasons, finding motivation, and moving forward
Winter is mostly behind us, but spring's arrival still takes its time. The cold season is nearly over, yet the warmth of spring still feels so far away. Many of us feel a lack of motivation during this in-between period, as if stuck in a grey daily routine. We tend to put off starting new things, simply because that right feeling just isn't there.
We talked to our Head of HR, Nadia Muttonen, about why this transitional time feels so difficult and how to move forward even when energy is running low. Perhaps her thoughts will inspire you to take that first step too.
This current period between two seasons can feel especially hard. Many people have the sense that something is slightly off. We're tired, lacking motivation, stuck in a rut. Big plans made earlier, whether at work or in personal life, get pushed off into some vague future, once "the right time" comes.
But maybe we shouldn't be waiting for some mystical perfect moment to get started in the first place.
The fatigue that comes with transitional times isn't just in your head
The changing of the seasons does bring with it a certain mental fatigue. Winter's slower pace has drained our reserves, while spring's energy hasn't quite arrived yet. Together, this leaves us in a kind of vague limbo, where our spirit craves change but we simply don't have the strength to make it happen. In truth, this pause imposed on us by nature itself can give us a chance to reset.
Even when we crave change, our own thoughts can get in the way of acting on it. Doubts, feeling overwhelmed, and fear of failure quietly chip away at motivation. I've seen this both at work and at home. First, we need to recognise the pattern β to understand that we're not stuck in place out of laziness, but because our inner voice has taken up a defensive position.
Fear disguised as a defence mechanism
Fear has a habit of hiding behind the mask of a defence mechanism. Fear whispers in our ear: "Don't mess this up now. Don't waste money. Don't be incompetent." Most of the time, this paralyses our will to act.
Ironically, fear can be a sign that we're on the threshold of something important, such as a new challenge, or in this case, a new season.
How to slowly and steadily get yourself moving again
When motivation is running low, even small tasks can feel dizzyingly hard. The good news is that getting started doesn't require new energy, just a structured approach. Even moving one step at a time still moves us forward.
β Structure.
A simple routine or plan offers support in a situation where your energy reserves are running low.
β Structure reduces confusion
It creates a sense that the situation is under control, and helps you stay focused even when everything seems
to move in slow motion.
β The best time is right now
Even though spring's start is taking its time, this is the best time to start something new.
β Pick up unfinished tasks, or start over
A clear plan gives you energy to tackle even the most daunting tasks, whether at
work or in your personal life.
β Setting milestones
Moving forward in small steps makes it easier to feel progress, and the goal feels
within reach.
β Changing your mindset
"When you take a big, daunting task and break it into small pieces, you no longer have to wonder where to even start β you know exactly: 'I'll start here.'"
Small wins at work and at home
Finding that push doesn't necessarily require more effort. Sometimes it's enough to change your attitude and seek help. Small, conscious steps help you succeed both at work and at home. For example, you could follow the suggestions below.
β At work:
β set one clear, focused goal for the week;
β talk to your team and share the workload;
β collaborate more mindfully β even a quick check-in can help clarify the situation
;
β remember that efficiency is often achieved through smarter work, not just
through more effort.
β At home and in your personal life:
β rearrange that room or corner you've been wanting to refresh for a while now;
β tackle some small task you keep putting off;
β take a moment to pause β a bit of quick tidying up or starting fresh
can help too.
Every small win β no matter how modest it may seem β helps restore motivation and gives you
a fresh boost.
When money is the obstacle
Sometimes what's holding us back isn't low energy, but far more everyday reasons. A lack of money can hold back even the best of intentions. That's why I'm glad our team offers smart and useful solutions (like our credit line), so that a lack of money doesn't have to stand in the way of bringing good ideas to life.
In closing
If you feel stuck, know that you're not alone. The fatigue that comes with the changing seasons is normal, but thankfully, it's temporary. Your lost energy will come back. In the meantime, remember that you don't have to do everything at once. You just need to take that first small step, which proves that moving forward IS possible. For our part, we're ready to support you once you've found your momentum again.