Finding Motivation in Uncertain Times: How Teaming Up Can Help

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we keep going when everything feels overwhelming.

Whether it’s the stress of the political moment, the weight of daily responsibilities, or just the sheer exhaustion of trying to do it all—it’s a lot. And when I feel that heaviness, my first instinct is often to retreat into myself and try to get it done.

But the times I’ve actually moved forward with something that mattered? Almost always, I wasn’t doing it alone.

There’s something about having even one other person in it with you that makes a difference. Not just for accountability (though that helps), but for reminding us that we’re part of something bigger.

Why We’re Not Meant to Do This Alone

The idea that we should be entirely self-motivated is rooted in a culture of hyper-individualism that overlooks the power of community. Research shows that community support is key to whether we follow through on our goals. Having others to check in with, share struggles, and witness our process makes it easier to keep going—especially in a world that undervalues interdependence.

In organizing spaces, this is called collective action—the idea that we move toward a goal together instead of just as individuals. But this doesn’t have to mean joining a formal group (though that’s great too). It can be as simple as deciding, I don’t have to hold this alone.

Different Ways to Build Support (That Fit Your Life)

What support looks like will be different for everyone. Maybe for you, it’s:

• A structured accountability partner—someone you check in with regularly on a shared goal.
  
• A co-conspirator—a friend who’s also trying to stay engaged in something important and wants to trade support.
  
• A low-key support system—even just texting someone to say, "Hey, I’m working on this thing. Ask me about it in a week?"

One of my favorite shifts has been realizing that support doesn’t have to be constant to be powerful. Even a single moment of connection—one conversation, one shared idea—can help break through inertia.

If You Want to Try Something Today

If this idea resonates, you might experiment with one tiny step toward connection today:

• Send a quick message to someone who shares your values—just to say, "Hey, I’d love to support each other in staying engaged."
  
• Join (or start) a small check-in group—even a group chat where people share small wins and struggles.
  
• Write down one thing you care about and who in your life might also care—just to see what comes up.
  

This isn’t about adding more pressure or expectations. It’s about noticing: Who do I already feel connected to? How can we support each other in ways that feel good?

And if you don’t have that person right now? That’s okay too. You’re still part of a bigger collective. And no matter what, you don’t have to do it all alone.