Staying motivated at work is something that is crucial in order to be productive, feel fulfilled by your job and boost your overall wellness. We want to help you get the most out of your day and enjoying the time you spend with your colleagues. Apply these top tips to your everyday routine and you’ll soon be reaping the rewards in your career:
Push Yourself
In order to stay motivated, you must push yourself outside your comfort zone from time to time. Working within your limits can be constraining, lead to a predictable routine and feelings of frustration or boredom (the biggest killer of motivation). Working outside of what is familiar may be a little daunting, but it will add variety. Achieving something you never thought you could can be inspiring, and give you the confidence to achieve even more in the future. So the next project or opportunity that presents itself, agree to take part, and see how the change benefits you. Or go one step further, and actively seek ways to push yourself; suggest a new way of working to your employer, ask for extra responsibilities or think about organising a charity event with your colleagues.
Short-Term Targets
Think of a daily or weekly target that will help your motivation. By committing to achieving something within a set timeframe, however small, will help you stay focused. This could be to complete one job which you’ve been putting off for ages, or even just to organise your workload with a to-do list, or clear your desk of anything you don’t need anymore. Alternatively, set yourself the goal of doing something different to break away from your routine, like walking somewhere new at lunch, or organising to meet a friend or colleague for a coffee.
Think About Your Career Direction
Thinking about your career more broadly can also help. Evaluate what you would like to achieve compared to your current position, and determine the steps to get there. Working towards a bigger target can seem daunting, but by setting smaller, achievable goals, you’re more likely to stay on track. Some people find it helpful to write these goals down or save as a screensaver on your phone for a daily reminder of what you’re working towards. Remember to take a moment to congratulate yourself when you hit those goals, you could even reward yourself with a little treat!
Exercise
Regular exercise, especially in the morning, can actually help to give you more energy during the day. Exercising in the evening will also help, as you will be more likely to have a good night’s sleep. You could combine this by working out with a colleague, helping both your fitness and work relationships. If you don’t have access to a gym, there are plenty of free workouts available online on websites such as YouTube, which you can do with equipment you’d have around the house or office. But exercise doesn’t necessarily have to be high-impact; something like simply taking a walk outside during your lunch break will boost your energy and mood, enabling you to perform better.
Think Positive
Cultivating the right mindset is key to staying motivated. An ideal time to do this is before you even start the working day. Thinking about all the good things in your day allows you to go to work in a positive frame of mind. You could even try repeating a positive mantra to yourself or, if you find a quote/affirmation which resonates with you, write it on a post-it note and keep it in your work area.
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