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Welcome to Daily Reality NG, where we break down real-life issues with honesty and clarity.
I’m Samson Ese, founder of Daily Reality NG. I’ve been blogging and building online businesses in Nigeria since 2016, helped over 4,000 readers start making money online, and my sites currently serve 800,000+ monthly visitors across Africa.
Finding Motivation Within Yourself When Everything Feels Hard
By Samson Ese | Reading time: 12 minutes | Published: November 23, 2025
The Day I Almost Gave Up Completely
Let me be honest with you.
In 2014, NEPA was taking light for weeks, my small blog was making less than ₦15,000 a month, rent was due, and my phone screen was cracked so bad I had to tilt it to read messages. I woke up one morning in that small room in Surulere and just lay on the mattress staring at the ceiling. No motivation. Zero.
I remember thinking, “Samson, wetin you dey do with your life?”
That day changed everything – not because something magical happened outside, but because I finally looked inside and found something that was always there.
Why Waiting for Motivation from Outside Will Keep Failing You
Many of us grew up hearing “just pray about it” or “when your time comes”. Truth be told, those things help, but they don’t wake you up at 4 a.m. to work when nobody is watching.
Social media quotes, Davido’s new car, your friend that just travelled – those things give you energy for two days, then you crash again. That’s external motivation. It’s sweet, but it’s temporary.
According to psychologists, real, lasting motivation is internal. It comes from meaning, not mood.
7 Real Ways Nigerians Are Finding Motivation From Within (That Actually Work)
1. Remember Your “Why” Every Single Morning
I started writing my biggest reason on a small paper and sticking it on my wall: “So my younger ones will never hawk in traffic again.” Every time I see it, something shifts inside me. Try it.
2. Celebrate Tiny Wins Like You Just Hammered
Finished one article? Buy yourself that ₦200 bole. Sent 20 cold emails? Do small dance. Small wins compound into big confidence.
3. Talk to Yourself Like Someone You Love
Stop saying “I’m not good enough”. Would you tell your younger sibling that? Start speaking to yourself the way you speak to people you care about.
4. Create a “Proof Wall”
Screenshots of payments received, kind messages from readers, old photos when things were harder – keep them where you can see them daily. Proof silences doubt.
5. Serve Someone Smaller Than You
Teach one person what you know. Help your neighbor’s child with homework. When you see the light in their eyes because of you, your own fire comes back.
6. Move Your Body, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
A 10-minute walk around the estate when NEPA takes light can shift your whole mood. Motion creates emotion.
7. Accept That Some Days Will Still Feel Heavy
And that’s okay. You’re human. Rest, cry if you need to, then wake up and try again. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Key Takeaways – Start Using These Today
- Motivation is not something you find outside, it’s something you build inside
- Your deepest “why” is more powerful than any quote on Instagram
- Tiny wins + gratitude = unbreakable confidence over time
- Serving others refills your own tank faster than anything
- Some days will be hard – and that’s part of the journey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I stay motivated when I have no money?
Focus on what you can control today – one skill, one connection, one small action. Progress, not perfection.
Is it normal to feel unmotivated for weeks?
Yes. Sometimes it’s burnout or even depression. Rest, talk to someone you trust, and be gentle with yourself.
Can prayer alone motivate me?
Prayer gives strength, but faith without works is dead. Combine prayer with daily disciplined action.
What if my family doesn’t support my dreams?
Love them, but protect your focus. Many of us are the first in our lineage to break certain cycles – it’s lonely, but worth it.
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Thank you for allowing me into your space today. Keep pushing – the version of you that your family will be proud of is counting on you.
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