Have you lost all motivation to work for the day or the week? "Too bad, no motivation today. Maybe I'll work tomorrow!" While it's difficult to stay inspired every single day, especially when you're working at home, we can all agree that taking a few days off whenever we feel like it is not a luxury we can afford. Luckily, there are several ways you can increase your motivation when things get tough or dull.
1. Just do it!
You might think this doesn’t sound very helpful, but hear us out: instead of waiting around for some miracle to give you enough motivation to start working, just jump right to it. Quiet your thoughts and focus on the task at hand. Trying to will yourself to do something only wastes your time and energy.
2. Allot time away from work.
Just because you need to be as productive as you can doesn’t mean you’ll neglect your work-life balance. Remember to set boundaries and allot time for yourself outside of work, too. If you’re working from home, make sure to stop working at the same time you would in the office. This will ensure you have enough time to rest physically and mentally.
3. Limit distractions in your workspace.
Distraction is everywhere, but it’s even more apparent if you work from home. It's a place where it's so easy to get distracted by your own thoughts and even stuff like household chores. To stay motivated, assign a designated work station and keep out distractions like social media and dirty dishes. If you’re working in an office, clear your station of any clutter.
4. Have fun with work!
Work isn't supposed to be torture; it's something you should enjoy doing. Have a flexible mindset about work – if you're having a bad or frustrating work session, don't throw in the towel and say you're no longer working for the rest of the day! Get through one hour of your task at hand, then take a break. This way, even if work sessions are short, they are productive. Pick up where you left off after.
5. Focus on tasks you like.
When work gets tough, work on something you enjoy or are passionate about. If you have a list of work tasks to accomplish, pick work items that interest or excite you most and work on those first. You'll get more work done faster if it's something you've been looking forward to.
6. Work smarter, not harder.
Instead of forcing yourself to get everything done within the day, create small goals instead. Prioritize these so you'll still feel productive and satisfied rather than overwhelmed.
7. Take care of your body.
If your work day is starting to drag and feel pointless, take time out for a walk around the block (maybe even down to the store for ten minutes) or a quick workout in your home gym – just do some exercise! Exercise can help reenergize and revitalize your mind while putting your body into overdrive – the result: better work!
