Stuck Between Seasons?

Stuck Between Seasons? Thoughts from Head of People department of ESTO Group on Midseason Fatigue, Motivation, and Moving Forward

The cold days are well behind us, but spring still feels like it’s taking its time. Many of us feel unmotivated and stuck in routines during this in-between time. The new beginnings are often postponed as we wait to feel “ready.”

We spoke with Nadia Muttonen, our Head of People department about why transitions are challenging and how to move forward even when low on energy. These insights can help you take the first step.

This in-between season can be especially tough. Many of us are feeling a bit off - tired, unmotivated, stuck in a loop. Big plans - whether at work or in our personal lives - often stay parked in the “someday” lane as we wait to feel ready.

But maybe we don’t need to wait for the perfect moment to get started.

That Midseason Slump Is Real

We’re in a seasonal transition, and with that comes a very real kind of mental fatigue. Winter’s slower rhythm can leave us drained, while spring’s energy hasn’t quite kicked in yet. It creates this strange limbo - we crave change but don’t quite have the momentum to act on it. As frustrating as that can be, this natural pause can also be a quiet opportunity to reset.

Even when we want change, our thoughts can get in the way. Doubt, overwhelm, or fear of failure can silently drain motivation. I’ve seen it happen at work and at home. The first step is simply noticing those patterns - recognizing when we’re stuck not because we’re lazy, but because our inner voice is playing defense.

Fear Disguised as Protection

Fear, after all, often disguises itself as protection. It says, “Don’t mess this up. Don’t waste money. Don’t fail.” But more often than not, it just keeps us frozen in place. Ironically, that fear can be a signal that we’re on the edge of something meaningful - a new challenge, a new season.

Rebuilding Momentum — Slowly and Steadily

When motivation is low, even the smallest tasks can feel like mountains. The good news? You don’t need a burst of energy to get started — just a bit of structure. Here’s how breaking things down can help you move forward, one step at a time:

• Structure.
  When energy is low, a simple routine or plan gives us something steady to lean on.
  
  
• Structure reduces mental clutter
  It creates a sense of control and focus, even during sluggish seasons.
  
  
• Now is the perfect time
  Despite the slow start to spring, this is a great moment to lay the groundwork for something new.
  
  
• Tackle overdue tasks or start fresh
  Whether at work or in your personal life, a clear plan turns overwhelm into energy.
  
  
• Break it into milestones
  Smaller steps make progress feel real and achievable.
  
  
• Change mindset
  “When you take a big, daunting task and break it down into pieces, you stop asking ‘Where do I even start?’ and begin saying, ‘I’ll start here.’”)

Small Wins at Work and Home

Finding momentum doesn’t always mean pushing harder — sometimes it means adjusting your approach and leaning into support. Whether at work or at home, small, intentional actions can go a long way. Here’s what that might look like:

• At work:
  
  
• Set one clear, focused goal for the week.
  
  
• Check in with your team and share the load.
  
  
• Collaborate more intentionally — even a quick sync can boost clarity.
  
  
• Remember: efficiency often comes from working smarter, not just harder.
  
  
• At home or in your personal life:
  
  
• Rearrange a space you’ve been meaning to refresh.
  
  
• Tackle a small task you’ve been putting off.
  
  
• Create a moment of calm — even a quick tidy-up or reset can help.
  
  

Every small win, no matter how minor it seems, helps rebuild motivation and create forward momentum.

When Finances Are the Roadblock

Still sometimes what holds us back isn’t just energy — it’s also the practical side. A lack of financial flexibility can quietly stall even our best intentions. That’s why I appreciate that our team offers smart, supportive solutions — like our credit line — to help turn ideas into action.

Final Thought

So if you’re feeling stuck right now — you’re not alone. Midseason fatigue is real, but it’s also temporary. The spark will come back. And until it does, remember: it’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about finding that one small step that reminds you things can move forward. And we’re here to support you when they do.