Every job is different, and every job has its own challenges and obstacles to overcome. Staying motivated at work is essential for professional outcomes and overall job satisfaction. When you are having a difficult time, realize that there are often small things that you can do to increase motivation and productivity.
Here are five steps that you can take to be a more motivated employee or employer:
1. Try to work closer with or closer to people who are motivated, productive, and demonstrate the attitudes and abilities you aspire to. The people that you surround yourself with can make or break a workplace experience. In every workplace, there are unhappy people who enable toxicity, and productive, positive, motivated people who inspire others and get the job done well, and in time. Which of these colleagues do you think you should you be working with?
2. Keep the big picture in view. Knowing the bigger, overarching purpose, and recognizing how your work is linked with that purpose can help when you feel frustrated.
3. Stay positive, and pay attention to that little voice in your head! If you constantly tell yourself ‘I’m miserable’, you will feel miserable. If you look at the positives, however small or random they may seem, you will appreciate them and as a consequence feel better about your day and your job overall.
4. When taking big projects that seems overwhelming or impossible, try to break it down into series of smaller, more achievable steps. Make a list of all things that you need to do in order to start tackling the big project. The challenge will seem much more achievable when you break it down!
5. Be good to yourself. Eating nutritious foods, getting physical exercise daily, and taking regular breaks for stretches and fresh air can change your overall outlook, as Alexander Pope said: “Strength of mind is exercise, not rest”. In addition, make sure that you also note your achievements and successes, and find a way to share them with your work colleagues, friends, and family members.