"Not Today!"

How to Show Up When You’re Just Not Feeling It

We all have those days. You wake up tired, your motivation took the day off, and everything feels just a little heavier than usual. Whether it’s work, your workout, or even just responding to texts — sometimes, you’re just not feeling it.

And guess what? That’s normal. Being human means you’re not always going to be 100%, and that’s okay. But sometimes, even on those low-energy days, you still have to show up — for your job, your people, or even just yourself.

So how do you do it without burning out or faking your way through? Here’s what helps:

1. Show up small.
You don’t have to be all in. Just be in. Answer one email. Move your body for 10 minutes. Make the call you’ve been avoiding. Progress is still progress, even if it’s quiet.

2. Be honest with yourself.
You don’t have to pretend you’re fine. Acknowledge that you’re in a funk — it takes the pressure off trying to perform. Sometimes saying, “I’m off today, but I’m here,” is enough.

3. Keep it simple.
Lower the bar. What’s the one thing you can do today that would make you feel a little better or more grounded? Start there.

4. Protect your energy.
If you’re running on low, don’t give away more than you need to. Say no when you can. Take a break from the noise. Let yourself reset.

5. Celebrate the effort.
Showing up when you’re not feeling it? That’s real strength. It means you’re resilient, not robotic. Give yourself credit for trying — even if it’s messy.

At the end of the day, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present, even if that presence is quiet, tired, or a little offbeat. Just showing up — in whatever way you can — still counts