If you're an independent, remote worker, or digital nomad, working solo can lead to a lack of motivation. Like many other things, investing in your motivation is also your mission.
That's why you need to take proactive steps to stay motivated.
In this article, you’ll find the 13 best motivational apps and techniques to help you stay inspired when working solo or as a remote freelancer.
Let’s go!
TL;DR
- Solo work and motivation - Working solo can lead to a lack of motivation over time.
- Motivation fluctuates - it may be high initially but decreases over time. You need supportive techniques to make it last.
- Divide-and-conquer - By breaking big tasks into smaller ones, you get a sense of satisfaction, which increases your motivation.
- Facilitate your processes - Find the third-party tool to make your workflows flow (See Ruul for invoicing).
- Pomodoro and goals - Setting short work sessions and daily goals can help you stay focused.
- Self-care and social interaction - Taking care of yourself and connecting with people is critical for your motivation.
- Meditation and affirmations - You can meditate and use affirmations to maintain mental balance.
- Motivational apps - Apps like ThinkUp, Forest, and Headspace can help you increase your motivation.
The effect of solo work on motivation
Working solo and being your own boss is often something everyone praises. But in reality, there are not only advantages but also disadvantages. One of them is feeling lonely!
According to Freelancing Support's survey of 715 freelancers, 45% of the group's mental health deteriorated in 2024. We wondered why, and two of the underlying reasons stood out:
- 75.9% of the group felt isolated.
- 70% of the group did not find support for their mental health.
It wasn't the only reason, but "working in isolation" was high on the list. In fact, 31% of freelancers felt too unmotivated to work some days.
However, the meaning of freelancing doesn’t have to be isolated to be independent. There are ways to get into the crowd and still be productive.
How does motivation work?
Motivation is defined as "the desire to do something". There are two types of motivation:
- Intrinsic motivation: Anything you do out of satisfaction, regardless of the outcome, without any material expectation, is intrinsically motivated.
- Extrinsic motivation: It occurs when there is a reward at the end, such as money. If there is no reward, there is no extrinsic motivation.
It is best to use both together. When you do, you may even feel like you are "not working" while earning money.
Motivation is not permanent
Do you remember when you were highly motivated for the first few days and then suddenly you started to feel low? You felt good after watching a video, reading a book, or a motivational article, didn't you?
If this scenario sounds familiar, don't worry, you are not the only one who feels this way. Everyone who needs motivation feels this way.
In this case, let's agree that motivation is not permanent. Motivation can fade over time, that's normal. To revitalize it, proven techniques and freelancer-approved mobile apps should be in your bag.
8 techniques to regain motivation
Here are 7 techniques to help you get your motivation back!
1. Divide and rule strategy
Big tasks can be daunting. This leads to procrastination and demotivation.
- Divide a big project first, then break it down, then manage it.
Start by finishing the most difficult piece first. As each piece is completed, your sense of satisfaction will kick in. Seeing you reach your goal will motivate you to keep going.
"One piece at a time, one day at a time, we can achieve any goal we set for ourselves." - Karen Casey
2. Facilitate Your Processes
Motivation often dwindles when tedious, time-consuming tasks bog you down. The key? Automate, delegate, and streamline your workflows to focus on what truly matters—your craft.
Whether it's automating repetitive admin work, using productivity tools, or outsourcing tasks, simplifying your processes can free up mental space and boost motivation.
For independents, a big part of this is managing payments effortlessly. Instead of chasing invoices or worrying about compliance, use a third-party tool that handles it for you.
💡 For invoicing, tax compliance, and fast payments, check out Ruul.
Because less paperwork = more motivation to do what you love!
3. Recall motivation with the Pomodoro technique
Working for hours leaves you unmotivated. Being flexible brings motivation back. So use proven time management techniques.
Pomodoro is one of the most popular, if not the only one. The formula is
- 25 minutes of focused work → 5-minute break
- After 4 Pomodoros → Take a 30-minute break
25 minutes of work can be endured by everyone. You'll be surprised how much work you get done after each pomodoro.
4. Create daily goals
Goals create motivation. When you don't have goals, reluctance and procrastination follow. To overcome this, set specific goals like 4 hours of deep work a day or 8 Pomodoro cycles a day. That way you will have the motivation to get your work done fast.
"There is no favorable wind for one who does not know where he wants to go." - Seneca
5. Pay attention to personal care
Yes, self-care boosts motivation. If you neglect your self-care because no one can see you, change that immediately. The same goes for your diet. You don't deserve an unhealthy diet or irregular sleep just because you're at home.
Segar, in No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness, emphasizes that
Sustainable motivation is only possible by prioritizing self-care. Taking care of oneself becomes an internalized value and a true source of motivation, driving decisions and actions.
6. Meditate
According to a study published in PMC, most people start meditating to cope with stress, but their motivation changes over time.
Interestingly, those who continue meditating for spiritual reasons are more likely to stick with it in the long term. So even if you sit reluctantly at first, meditation can become an integral part of your life thanks to the motivation it provides.
7. Communicate with people
Over time, isolation can become a bad habit that dulls your social skills and leads to mental distress. But remember, as social creatures, we have to communicate with our own kind.
Otherwise, you may experience neglect of self-care, reluctance to leave the house and low motivation to work. To avoid this, take part in activities where you can spend time with your loved ones several times a week. Also build a network to exchange ideas while working.
8. Utilize resources
As 21st-century people, it is easy for all of us to access resources. It's up to us to use it as a motivational tool.
So read motivational books, success stories, and resources to help you build habits. Often even a single sentence can have the power to get you back on your feet.
5 world-famous motivational book recommendations:
- Think Again - by Adam Grant
- Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence - by Daniel Goleman
- Atomic Habits - by James Clear
- The Alchemist - by Paulo Coelho
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - by Stephen R. Covey
Here are also some books for digital nomads, if you like.
5 motivational apps for single workers
1. ThinkUp
ThinkUp is for solo workers who want to receive positive notifications throughout the day. It sends positive messages, mantras, and various quotes to motivate you. You can use the app to record mantras in your own voice and then listen to the music.
- For affirmation and motivation
- Available on iOS and Android devices
- Desktop version available
- Limited free features
- Trial membership available
- Prices from $8.49
2. Forest
Forest is a gamifying mobile app that aims to motivate you to work. When you open the app, a tree is planted in your forest, but if you quit the app, your tree withers and you lose a tree. If intensive phone use undermines your productivity, this might be for you.
- For those who want to reduce screen time
- Best productivity app in 136 countries
- iOS and Android versions available
- 4.8 App Store review score
- App price $3.99
- There are in-app purchases
3. Headspace
Calm your mind with Headspace, meditations, and podcasts. Categories include meditate, sleep, breathe, focus, move, and mental health coaching. You can create your own schedule and receive personalized content recommendations every day.
- For those who want to overcome sleep problems
- Meditation programs tailored to your needs
- A limited number of free features
- Over 1,000 guided meditations
- Designed by experts
- 7-day free trial
- Prices starting from $12.99
4. Habit Tracker
Habit Tracker is a productivity app that helps you stick to your new habits. It gives you the chance to easily plan your every day and visually track your habits. You can use it for yoga, meditation, nutrition, sleep, and even water-drinking habits.
- High number of free features
- iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch compatible
- No Android version
- Prices starting from $4.99
5. Productive
Productive allows you to track daily habits. It is suitable for goals such as increasing productivity and adopting a new habit. In the app, you can participate in incentive activities such as the "early wake-up challenge" and the "happy morning challenge".
- For those who want to get into the habit
- Limited free features
- Habit statistics
- Stimulating challenges
- Prices starting from $3.99
We have mentioned a total of 13 motivational techniques and mobile apps, not all of which may be suitable for your lifestyle and habits.
The important thing is to choose one from the list and stick to it for the long term. And keep following us for more tips.
