Staying Strong: Finding the Motivation to Keep Going in Eating Disorder Recovery

For anyone battling an eating disorder, finding the motivation to continue in recovery can feel like an impossible task. Some days, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started, especially when the road feels long, winding, and full of setbacks. The constant appointments, the meal plans, the restrictions—all of it can feel suffocating. The pressure to follow a perfect routine is exhausting and on some days, just getting through the basics of eating or attending therapy can feel like an uphill battle. It’s not just the physical struggle with food; it’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to stay committed, even when everything feels overwhelming.

Having lived through an eating disorder, I can understand what it’s like to feel stuck. It’s easy to question the purpose when the road to recovery seems never-ending. Some days, eating when you’re not hungry, refusing the urge to overeat, or managing the emotional weight of food guilt can feel like an insurmountable challenge. And on top of that, there’s the shame that often accompanies those struggles—the guilt for not doing enough, the fear of being judged by others, and the disappointment you sometimes see in the eyes of loved ones when you can’t “just eat” or follow the plan perfectly.

What they know, however, is that recovery is not linear. Some days will be filled with progress, and others will feel like setbacks. Motivation won’t always be there to push you forward, but that doesn't mean you're not moving in the right direction. The key is showing up for yourself—especially on the hard days. Even when motivation feels out of reach, continuing to make small, brave choices toward recovery is progress. It’s about trusting the process, even when the path feels unclear.

For those in recovery, it’s important to remember that every step, no matter how small, is a victory. It’s not about being perfect or following every rule to the letter. It’s about making the decision, day after day, to keep going, even when the motivation feels absent.

What I know is this: you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going. Every time you choose to show up for yourself—whether it’s eating the snack you need, attending therapy, or simply getting through a difficult moment—you’re making progress. And that progress, no matter how slow it feels, is a step toward healing. You are worth the effort, and your recovery matters—one small step at a time.