How to keep your motivation levels up in work?
When it comes to getting things accomplished even under normal circumstances for a lot of people, motivation can be hard to come by. Yet, motivation is exactly what is needed. A small amount of motivation is required to do small, simple things. However bigger tasks require more motivation to complete.
“But how do you manufacture motivation when you have none?”
These 7 tips will help you learn to motivate yourself so you can accomplish your goals at work and at home.
Use the pain of not completing a particular task.
What damage will be done? It might just be the inconvenience of having even more to do the following day. Or it could be the prospect of losing the respect of your colleagues when you don't do what you said you will do. Come up with several good reasons why failing to take action would be painful for you.
2. Use the pleasure of completing a particular task.
Remind yourself of all the benefits you’ll receive. Make a long list that will help to keep the fire burning inside to successfully deal with those unpleasant or boring tasks at work. Visualize the future you expect to enjoy from getting your tasks completed. Rehearse your successes in your mind. Create an image that motivates you to take the next step enthusiastically.
3. Set short-term goals.
It’s hard to stay motivated for too long. Break up your work goals into more small achievable chunks. Try to break goals that take an extended amount of time into smaller goals that can be accomplished within two months.
4. Do all you can to make your tasks more enjoyable.
Ask yourself, “How can I make this task as enjoyable as possible?” and then listen to the answers you receive.
5. Reward yourself.
You wouldn’t go to work each day if you didn’t get paid. The reward you receive is enough to keep you going back each day. Apply the same idea to keep your motivation high enough to get things done at work or at home. Think of a few things you truly enjoy and use them as motivation. Just feeling proud and pleased with your progress can be a form of reward. People who struggle with motivation are often hard on themselves. Be happy with your progress and you can expect to enjoy more progress in the future.
6. Take a deep breath.
Few things will drain your motivation faster than an over-stimulated mind. Stay clear on what you’re trying to accomplish and focus on the most direct path to get there. Deal with one task before moving on to another. Keep your brain focused on your current task.
7. Collaborate with others.
The presence of others can increase their level of commitment. Reach out to a work colleague or friend.
“Without motivation, will power is the only solution
”
Will power is much more difficult to sustain than motivation. Learning to control your motivation is part of self-leadership. There’s little that can’t be accomplished once you learn how to manage your levels of motivation. Even the most challenging tasks become manageable.
When you do get to try one or two of these tips to help you stay motivated, let me know in the comments which ones have worked for you.
Ps. I help health and care professionals to grow their leadership and management potential so they can thrive and uplevel in their careers. I have helped many professionals in health care to move from their entry levels roles and into team leader and team management roles in health care organisations.
Claim your free 1hr coaching call with me today.
Beaulah Chizimba is a Career Coach & Leadership Facilitator
She writes about career and leadership development strategies for personal professional performance and team performance.