It happens to everyone: there are just some days when it feels like a slog just to get the bare minimum done at work, let alone exceed expectations. And we’re not talking about feeling ill. We’re talking about when you have the blahs, when you’re kind of burned out, when you’re just not feeling it.
How can you get motivated when you’re languishing in the doldrums like this? Here are a few ideas.
- Consider what is ahead.
Thinking about the future is always something that raises spirits. The future is always filled with promise and possibility. Think about the things you are going to do, the things you want to accomplish. Set some goals and plan how you are going to achieve those goals. This is always a good motivator.
- Read something motivational.
For example, you can read about a person who overcame adversity to achieve his or her goals and how the person did it. You can peruse a self-help book with ideas on how to get moving and accomplish your goals. Even reading aphorisms can be motivational. None other than Winston Churchill recommended them.
- Find a mentor.
A mentor is someone with a lot of experience who can help you with your own problems and career. A mentor can give you advice and encouragement on achieving your goals and overcoming your obstacles because odds are he or she faced the same thing at one time or another.
- Act as if.
“Acting as if” means behaving as if you already had the quality or attitude you are trying to acquire. The strategy was first proposed by the philosopher and psychologist William James, the founder of a school of thought known as pragmatism.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference,” he said, adding, “It does.” Acting as if takes confidence. You have to believe in yourself, to believe you have what it takes to get the job done. If you believe in yourself, odds are you also have control over your thoughts, feelings and actions, which also means you are able to give more effort and are more persistent.
So, act as if you are motivated, and real motivation is likely to follow.
- Get some exercise.
This is a great way to re-energize. Exercise gets your blood pumping and gets more oxygen to your brain. It helps to enhance your mood and to think more clearly. There is no better way to get yourself out of the blahs. So take a walk or hit the gym.
- Meditate
You may not believe it can help, but the evidence shows it does. Many CEOs and military people meditate regularly. Like exercise it can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and help you focus better.
- Get organized.
Organize your work space. Put things where they belong and clean off your desk. You will be surprised how this also will make you feel more energized. Studies have shown that people who have organized work spaces are more productive than those with messy desks.
- Focus on small victories.
In other words, think about not just your goals and whether you are achieving them, but whether you are making progress toward your goals. Just moving forward, making progress, is reason enough to celebrate and to give you motivation.
When you are working, don’t worry about the past or the future, but focus on the now, the present moment and determine to make the most of that moment, because everything else flows from that.
If one of your goals is finding a new position, take a look at Helpmates’ current opportunities. See one or more that look interesting? Follow application directions or contact the branch location nearest you.
