Motivation has been fleeting for me this year. I can’t attribute the lack of it to one thing, but I’ve certainly noticed that lately, I’ve had to really rely on my internal strength to stay on track.
Given that many folks seem to share my sentiments, I thought it might be helpful if I shared some of the things that are working for me.
Here’s my strategy:
01 | GOALS + DREAMS
I have found that keeping my goals and dreams front and center makes a noticeable difference in my motivation level each day. When I lose sight of why I keep pressing forward, the journey can become more difficult because I focus on what I have to do each day instead of what I get to do, to reach my goals.
If you haven’t done so already, write down your goals + your dreams, and keep them in a prominent place.
(Tip: Take a picture of your list and keep it on your phone so you can review it daily…no matter where you are).
02 | SLOW YOUR ROLL
I’ve noticed that right about the time that I notice how unmotivated I am; I also notice how much I still have left to do.
When you’re feeling unmotivated and stuck in the thought trap of having too much to do, try to offload some of your responsibilities. Focus on quality work over quantity…and take some breaks!
You’ll be amazed with your progress and maybe you’ll end up being even more productive.
03 | SELF-CARE + ENVIRONMENT
Take time to get dressed and spend time caring for yourself. Believe it or not, you’ll feel better when you invest time in yourself and your care. It’s a small effort with huge payoffs.
Similarly, in your work environment, start to care. Burn a candle (if your office permits), and tidy up your space. I’ve always felt a mind-body connection to an orderly environment, and I tend to do my best work in orderly places.
04 | REWARDS
Who doesn’t like rewards? When you’ve pushed yourself to deliver, permit yourself to accept a reward. When you treat yourself the way you would treat your best employee or colleague, you’ll find that your self-compassion can lead to greater productivity.
Make a list of budget-conscious trinkets that you want. Make it the good stuff, and give yourself permission to indulge when you’ve done a worthwhile task.
All in all, remember that speed is unimportant when motivation is low. Any effort towards your end goals is a move in the right direction and adds up.