For most professionals, motivation ebbs and flows. When you are working toward a goal that really matters to you, you might feel as if you have boundless energy and focus. But, once you achieve that objective (or your perspective on it changes), your back to the day-to-day, and that isn’t always particularly inspiring.
There are plenty of reasons why a professional might struggle to stay motivated. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes and what you can do to get yourself focused again.
How To Get Motivated At Work
Do The Stakes Seem Too Low?
It’s hard to feel passionate about a task when the stakes are low. If the fallout from failing would be practically non-existent, it’s difficult to force yourself to give it all you’ve got unless the activity is otherwise engaging on some level.
If your lack of motivation is based on the stakes seeming too low, you might be able to overcome it by connecting it to something where the stakes are higher. For example, while failing at the task might result in little more than a verbal reprimand for a supervisor this time, consider what would happen if you allowed several of them to pile up. Soon, you’d have a reputation for falling short, and that could keep you from moving forward in your career.
By connecting the success of this activity to your long-term career goals, you are giving the work more meaning. This may help you stay motivated over the long-term.
Is Your Work is Tedious and Repetitive?
All jobs come with tedious and repetitive work. After handling those particular duties for a while, it’s common to become a bit burned out and complacent.
Motivating yourself to handle tedious and repetitive assignments enthusiastically is challenging, but it can be done. First, remember that these duties are what you were hired to do. Not all of your work is going to be challenging or overly engaging; that’s just a fact. But you are being compensated for doing it, so remind yourself of that when your motivation wains.
Additionally, consider creating a personal reward system that lets you earn something for buckling down and getting it done. For example, if you get this task handled, you might reward yourself with work that you find engaging and interesting.
You could use anything as an incentive if it is worthwhile to you. So, if a trip to the café for a coffee is something you look forward to, hold off on going until you tackle the activity. That way, you have a reason for conquering the work beyond it being your job, and that could be enough to make a difference.
Is The Project is Overwhelming?
Many professionals struggle with motivation when the project they are working on is so big that they don’t know where to begin. When this happens, it’s common to become overwhelmed, and that can prevent you from ever getting started.
When this happens, take a look at the project and break it down into steps that are as small as possible. Identify every mini-milestone you can find and write it down. Then, that massive project looks like what it actually is, a series of bite-sized, perfectly manageable tasks. Once you’re done, you might find your motivation returning, as the assignment is no longer as daunting as it initially seemed.
Ultimately, any of the reasons above could be hindering your motivation. By following the tips above, you can keep moving forward, ensuring you are engaged and productive during your workday.
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If you’d like to find out more, the team at TRC Staffing Services can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our insights could benefit you.
