Tips to re-motivate yourself

Most people struggle at some point to feel motivated at work. Rest assured, you’re not alone in your quest to find that inner inspiration! It’s important to afford yourself compassion and kindness during this period of time and consider it an opportunity for introspection. 

I encourage you to gently consider: 

• What specific tasks are you avoiding, and what is the underlying reason?
• What are your long-term and short-term goals?
• Is it possible that you’re placing too much pressure on yourself, and if so, why?
• How does being successful at work make you feel about yourself?

Instead of panicking, reflect and try to understand the root of the slump and any self-imposed pressure. You’ll find a way to rekindle that motivating force, and I have some tips to assist you in awakening that inner flame!

But remember to reflect on why you lack motivation; resorting to any old method to force motivation may push you further away from your goal.

How to become intrinsically motivated

Rather than insisting on working long, strenuous hours, why not explore working from a place of authenticity, in a way that allows you to align with your true curiosities? 

1. Find a way to make a meaningful impact through the work you’re doing

Help someone or something – strive to make the world a better place! This will allow you to see the value in what you are doing with your time.

2. Make the task you’re working on your own

Find a unique angle and add your personal touch. This will not only add worth to your project, but it will also help you get excited and inspired! Reflect inward and ponder how you can make your work important to you. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

3. Take on a healthy challenge

If you’ve always wanted to lead a particular project but self-doubt has held you back, there is no time like the present to demonstrate to yourself that you’re capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to. The euphoric sense of achievement you’ll feel when you complete the project will serve as an empowering motivator. Foster trust in yourself by repeating positive affirmations (an example affirmation: I give my all to tasks, and it shows).

4. Talk to your colleagues or people within your field

Share your ideas, thoughts and ask questions. Finding connections and cultivating curiosity within your work can spark a deep inner passion that will be exceptionally motivating.

Intrinsic motivation will propel you forward in your career, making you stand out as a trustworthy innovative team member. Beyond the professional advantages, it will facilitate a heightened sense of enjoyment – we are happy workers when we’re actually interested in what we’re doing! So find a way to care about what you do if you don’t already!

Is it that you lack motivation, or that you lack some much-needed rest?

Many of us are quick to assume we’re lacking motivation when in fact we’re simply in need of a break; a moment to think about something other than work. 

We thrive when we have moments in each day to find peace. These pauses allow for mental clarity and give space for inspiration to naturally flood in. We have better ideas and more excitement to bring to our jobs when we regularly switch off our work brains. These breaks from thinking about our duties don’t need to be long, sometimes 10 minutes of meditation or a walk down your street will be enough to fill you with motivation.

If we push ourselves hard at work our bodies eventually retaliate, they make even the most simple or pleasurable tasks feel laborious. Our bodies know us better than we know ourselves – they recognise when we’re pushing too hard and they cleverly tell us to stop working by cutting us off from our enthusiasm. 

Navigating burnout

Burnout can impede our ability to do activities that we once found fun, fulfilling, and/or uncomplicated.

Signs you’re experiencing burnout

• You feel disinterested in topics you used to be passionate about.
• You’re easily overwhelmed and often feel hopeless. 
• You struggle to produce work of a high standard. 
• You find it hard to concentrate and be productive.

If these symptoms apply to you, you may want to shift your attention to filling your cup up rather than trying to work harder. Prioritise self-rejuvenation, and as you begin to feel more yourself again, you’ll likely find that motivation naturally flows back to you.

Ways to fill your cup up

• Go for a walk in your local park and intentionally appreciate the beauty all around you (avoid going on your phone).
• Call a friend and open up about your work struggles (we all know the saying –  a problem shared is a problem halved).
• Take yourself out for a coffee or a meal (don’t wait for someone else to treat you; treat yourself to that much-needed break).
• Practice mindful exercises. If you find meditation a scary prospect, ease yourself into it by observing your breath for a few minutes while enjoying relaxing music.
• Try a body scan. This involves paying attention to different parts of your body while breathing deeply. Start from the top of your head and gradually make your way down to your toes. Take notice of all the sensations, tensions, and feelings in each spot. Throughout this process, remember to be gentle and kind to yourself!

Recognise when enough is enough. To overcome burnout, you must acknowledge when you’re experiencing it, prioritise rest and take ample time to charge your batteries up; whether this necessitates you taking time off screens, sleeping, spending time with loved ones, or going for walks in nature, choose the method (or methods) that you know your body and mind will thank you for.

Do the things that light you up, the activities that make you feel energised and positive. I would strongly recommend seeking professional support if you struggle to alleviate the feelings of depletion.

Motivation is inherently personal, so I encourage you to look inward and explore how you’re feeling and why. We all find inspiration and thrive from different activities and self-care practices. You can use this period of disinterest in work to honour your personal needs and wants. Tune into what your mind and body desires.

If you’re struggling with a lack of motivation, a coach can give you a helping hand. Find support today.