Motivation is elusive, isn’t it? You experience it on some days, while on others, despite your best efforts, you have none at all. While forcing yourself to type, create, and develop as you stare at the computer screen, you instead find yourself only going through the motions and showing little interest in the work you are generating. You may feel completely uninspired, and you have no idea how to change these feelings.
Many professionals experience occasional productivity issues. But when we feel motivated and engaged in our work, we can often feel more productive. If you’re struggling to stay focused and motivated at work, it’s helpful to discover the cause, as this can help you plan how you can address the issue.
The reasons why you might not be motivated to work are discussed in this article, along with steps you can take to feel more productive and content with your working life.
Reasons why you may lack workplace motivation
- Feeling a lack of workplace motivation could be due to one or more of the following:
- Busy schedule – with an overflowing to-do list
Work-life imbalance – too much time spent working vs enjoying life - Difficulty starting a project – beginning a new task feels too daunting
- Mental & physical strain – has it been too long since your last break or trip?
- Life changes – if your personal life is stressful, it can be hard to keep focus during work hours
Reasons why you may lack workplace motivation
As soon as you know what could be causing you to feel unmotivated, you can take steps to improve. To increase your motivation at work, try these steps:
1-Create a reward program
Reward yourself after finishing each assignment. This is particularly crucial while pursuing a long-term project. Decide on your reward for reaching each goal-related milestone. Create a reward system around activities you find enjoyable. For instance, if you enjoy being active, taking a break to go for a stroll can be your reward. Similarly, if you’re sociable, your reward could be talking to a co-worker for a short while. Adapt your rewards to the accomplishments you make, for example a larger reward for a larger job completed.
2-Have a healthy morning routine
You will feel more motivated when you’re alert and energised. One approach to do this is to start your day off right. Establish a morning routine that includes good habits. For example, practicing Pilates or going for a run can awaken both your body and mind – just like how having a healthy breakfast may keep you going all day. Make sure you are practicing these healthy behaviours in addition to getting adequate sleep and relaxing each day after or before work.
3-Take regular breaks
It could be time for you to take a quick break to recharge if you notice that your thoughts are straying while you’re working. Focus on non-work-related activities during your break. You may pause to have a quick conversation with a co-worker, get a snack, get more water, or go for a walk. Your body and mind will feel more awake even if you simply stand up and stretch. Giving your thoughts a brief break may help you feel more prepared to begin the current work and get back at it.
4-Give yourself enough time
Divide your day’s work into smaller, more manageable projects rather than trying to complete everything at once. Recognise what you can realistically do in a day. Set aside time to do only the most crucial things while organising your work week. If you can, give yourself some time to work on less crucial projects because your top priority can have deadlines that are more urgent. When deciding what to do, don’t forget to account for restful breaks throughout the day!
5-Utilise external motivators
Your inspiration may occasionally come from something external to you. For example, motivational self-help books, podcasts, and articles can boost your motivation – similar to how uplifting music can increase your energy and focus as you work. If you see that another person is feeling more motivated than you are, you could exchange motivational/inspirational quote or compliments.
Seeking help
For further tips on workplace motivation, consider speaking with a psychologist for some helpful strategies to keep you focused and goal oriented. Your workplace may even offer an Employee Assistance Program that allows you to access a number of free confidential sessions paid for by your company.
To book, click here or call our friendly reception team on 1800 327 477 (AU) / 0800 327 477 (NZ).
