Are you having one of those days or one of those months? You like your job, but you can’t seem to keep yourself focused. Use these four tips to stay motivated at work.
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Consider Your Impact
Sometimes that project you are working on may seem useless and unimportant. However, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “How could finishing this assignment make someone’s life better?” Maybe your efforts will improve a customer’s experience, assist a coworker in getting their work done, or even further your own career path. Thinking about your contributions in a broader context often provides the extra inspiration you need to push through.
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Split Bigger Tasks into Smaller Parts
Large and overwhelming projects can quickly drain your motivation. You have so much to do, you don’t know where to begin. So, you do nothing. Break this cycle by making a list. What are the steps involved in finishing this assignment? For example, if your boss asked you to put together a 20-slide presentation, you may need to 1) research the topic, 2) create an outline, 3) write the content, 4) find 15 pictures, and 5) combine everything into a slideshow format. By splitting a task into more manageable parts, you can identify a starting point and build your momentum from there.
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Give Yourself a Challenge
If an individual assignment is sapping your energy, try turning it into a game. For instance, set an imaginary deadline. “I must finish this project by 1:00 p.m.” A little bit of pressure may be all you need to regain your concentration. On the other hand, if you find yourself bored daily, you may be ready for greater challenges. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your supervisor to discuss stretch assignments and professional development opportunities as well as your overall career goals.
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Celebrate Wins
Rewards can play a key role in maintaining motivation. As author Gretchen Rubin writes, “When we don’t get any treats, we begin to feel burned-out, depleted, and resentful.” In other words, don’t feel guilty about bribing yourself. And, although chocolate, donuts, and ice cream are fun options, go beyond food. Also, you could reward yourself by watching a funny YouTube video, checking your Instagram feed for five minutes, or taking a quick walk around the block.
Are You Having Trouble Staying Motivated at Work?
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