Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work

Sharon Moore February 24, 2014

No matter how much you love your job, admit it – there are times when you just don’t have the energy to work anymore (at least for a day or two). We all need a break from work. And that desire to take some time off, if ignored, could lead to worse outcomes like depression, anxiety and substance abuse. What’s more, it makes us unproductive and less likely to perform at our best capacity.

The thing is it is possible to keep yourself motivated at work every single day. Unless you are experiencing a serious mental health problem (in which case you need to see a therapist), consider the following strategies to keep yourself motivated at work:

Take it one step at a time. A problem is not a problem until it becomes a problem. So take it one step at a time. Bombarding your mind with worries will not make you feel okay ever. Get up from bed, take shower, eat breakfast, and wear your best smile.

Make things easier for yourself. Limit your to-do list in the most important tasks to lighten your burden. If you find yourself confused, unable to decide, or anxious about a situation, seek support from the people you trust. Delegate tasks whenever possible.

Every small thing counts. It’s not every day that you have the energy to focus on your work and do all you can to finish them. Perhaps today isn’t the day you are going to complete a big project. But keep in mind that whatever you do, no matter how small you think it is, contributes to the success of your project. Instead of tackling things that require more creativity or brain power, choose those that you can work on with minimal efforts.

Take care of yourself. Get enough rest, exercise and proper nutrition. Make the most out of your breaks by taking a walk around the block to clear your mind, drinking tea, or practising meditation to revitalise yourself.

Disconnect, especially on weekends. You only have two days in a week to experience long rest from work so make sure you make the most out of it. Stay away from your mobile phone or computer. Try not to check your work email. Instead, take the opportunity to engage in recreational activities or interact with nature, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Appreciate. Instead of focusing on the reasons why you don’t want to go to work, focus on the good parts. Be thankful that you are alive, you are in a good company, you are being paid well, and you get to buy things you want. Practising gratitude is one great strategy to motivate yourself, especially during times when you are feeling low.

Use a mantra. Select a positive statement that could keep your motivation high. Examples are “If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will see results.”, “Trust yourself. You know more than what you think you do.”, and “The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.”

Hope these tips could make help you get through another tiring work week.