Originally posted by Jariel I know the feeling and sometimes I go through a low motivation period where I let a lot of things slide. It does affect confidence in a big way, because if you're not meeting your own standards and fulfilling your duties, you are failing yourself. This is obviously very damaging to your self esteem.

Some confidence training will advise lowering your standards and learning to accept yourself in spite of falling short of your goals. Personally, I see this as false pride.

Alternatively, you can force yourself to make a start on these goals, even if you just make a slight effort you should find it soon becomes a habit. As long as you're doing something towards these goals, your motivation should grow and so should your confidence.

A lot of people have a big problem achieving their goals because they stay focused on the final result. High standards and long term goals can seem so far out of reach sometimes it doesn't seem worth trying.

But if you break them down into "sub-targets", it won't seem like such a large chore and you will see your progress more easily (good for motivation).

For example, aim to run half a mile for a few weeks, then go for 1 mile, then 2. Read 1 chapter of a book per day, then go for 2, then try reading a book per week. As for diet, start out by reducing sugar and fat, then try reducing alcohol, and so on.

Forming any habit is like learning to walk. You have to persist with the baby steps until you're comfortable going further. Eventually, it becomes a habit you barely even think about.

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