Try These 6 Tips for Staying Motivated at Work

This time of year, it can be easy to feel more motivated than usual. Maybe you have created some exciting resolutions, or perhaps you are simply eager for a fresh start in 2020. Wherever you fall on the motivation scale, there will surely be a time (or more than a few!) where your motivation flails, and you need some help to get back on track.

When it comes to our work lives, lack of motivation can have a detrimental effect on our finances, security and even our professional reputation. So, what can you do when you’re feeling less than motivated in the workplace?

In this post, we will share some surefire tips to help you regain your momentum and keep you motivated at work. Let’s get started!

Tips for Staying Motivated at Work

Have a positive morning routine.

We’ve talked about the importance of having a morning routine several times on the blog. And we do it because it’s so important to start your day off right!

Morning routines or rituals set the tone for your day. They allow you to get focused and take care of yourself before the hustle and bustle begins. They get you in the mindset for success and give you an edge throughout your day. What can you include in a positive, nurturing morning routine? It’s entirely up to you! Here are some ideas, but choose whatever resonates with you:

• Take a bath
• Read
• Meditate
• Go for a walk outdoors
• Workout
• Journal
• Play your favorite music
• Cook a nutritious breakfast
• Savor your coffee (instead of throwing it back like a shot of tequila!)  

Set up your workspace.

Some spaces completely turn you off, while others make you feel great. No matter where you work, try to personalize your workspace with things you love and make you feel good. If you work at home or in a cubicle, there are plenty of ways to make the space your own. Feeling good where you work will positively contribute to your level of motivation. How can you make your workspace feel like your own? Here are some ideas we love:

• Have some cute succulents or fresh flowers on your desk
• Burn a candle
• Put up pictures of people, landscapes or pets that you love
• Purchase office supplies that make you excited to write, cut or staple
• Post motivational quotes or affirmations on your computer

Avoid workplace negativity.

It’s a fact of life – you won’t always be surrounded by positive people at work. And, you won’t always be able to avoid them. Do your best to avoid the office politics, drama and the complainers that can lower your motivation levels. Protect your energy at work. If it becomes an issue that impacts your productivity, consider talking with your supervisor to find out how to mitigate the problem.

Celebrate your successes.

Working on a big project? Struggling with meeting a deadline? Be sure to celebrate your success at work, even those that are not recognized by others. We must acknowledge our accomplishments, no matter how small they may be. A little positive reinforcement can go a long way in encouraging you and keeping you motivated at work.

How will you celebrate yourself? Small rewards like a massage, a nice dinner or a night out with friends can be motivating, rejuvenating and give you a great sense of accomplishment.

Set goals you can achieve.

Along the same lines as above, you must set goals for yourself and celebrate when you have reached them. However, it is also essential to be realistic with your goals. Big, lofty goals are a great motivator, but it can be easy to get discouraged when it takes months or even years to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Not only will this help you celebrate more (yay!), it will keep your motivation at a higher level.

Be mindful of signs of burnout.

Unfortunately, we all experience burnout from time to time. To keep your spirits and motivation up, you need to be on the lookout for signs of burnout at work and have a game plan for stopping it in its tracks. Burnout looks differently for everyone; however, some common signs that you need to recharge include irritability, lack of focus and fatigue.

How Will You Stay Motivated at Work?

We’ve shared some of our favorite ways to keep your motivation up at work; now, we want to hear from you! Comment with some of your surefire ways to keep motivation up.