Are You Unmotivated or Uninspired at Work?
Most of us have probably felt this way at work at some time or another. That feeling of being unmotivated or uninspired. And most of the time, it isn’t because you don’t have anything to do! It might be because you’re actually overwhelmed, or you just can’t seem to get that project finished, or you aren’t excited about a project to begin with.
Can You Relate to Any of These?
- No spark or excitement about a new project?
- Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, so you just don’t?
- A project you just can’t seem to finish?
- Are you feeling stuck or burned out?
- A goal that is too big and you can’t see the end?
- Not feeling connected with your co-workers?
This is not about having a day where you really don’t have anything to do. This relates to having work to do, but you can’t get motivated to accomplish any of it. What are you to do?
- Acknowledge how you feel but pull yourself out of the negativity.
- State why you want to be in this job and why you are staying. (If you can’t do this, it might be time to look for a new job!)
- Ask for what you need-do you need help, information, a day off, or a new or different project?
- Create a solution by laying out what needs to be accomplished and how you can go about doing it. Do you need a reward system for yourself for motivation? (I’ll put a few dollars away for every task I complete, or I’ll take a walk when I get “x” finished, etc.)
- Focus on the relationships you have with your co-workers and find those connections that make you someone they want to work with, connect with, and that you can motivate. Positivity garners actions that can benefit the business, so always use this to your advantage. Understand and acknowledge that you do matter.
- If you have work projects to do that aren’t as meaningful to you, get those done and focus on the meaningful projects. Is there someone else that can take them on?
- Take a brief time out everyday to write down 3 things you did that mattered to you, the business, or a colleague. You might be surprised and realize you aren’t as uninspired as you think!
- Make a list of your to-dos. Sometimes just making a list and crossing items off the list when you finish them brings a sense of satisfaction.
- Mentor a coworker. Helping someone that is new to the job might help you like and appreciate your job again.
- Change your outlook. Separate fact from emotion, eliminate the negative thoughts, and find new ways to deal with issues.
- Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
- Take care of yourself by finding a new hobby, getting some exercise, planning a vacation, getting more sleep, and taking a break.
- Don’t be afraid to say No! You might not need to take on every project that comes your way, if you have a good and valid reason. Being able to calmly explain the situation and why you can’t do something may be received better than you think.
You might not be able to change your circumstances, but by understanding how you are feeling, you might be able to create a new spark and reenergize yourself.
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