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A feeling of dread washes over you when you wake up every morning to go to work. The days when you jumped out of bed, energised to climb the corporate ladder are long gone. Now, you just look forward to Fridays. Where’s your motivation gone? When you lack the enthusiasm to work, being at the office for eight hours can feel like a year.
According to research, approximately 48 percent of all people globally don’t enjoy their jobs.
Only 30 percent feel engaged and inspired while working and 18 percent are disengaged, saying that they don’t like their jobs at all.This lack of drive, if left unchecked, can mean a long-lasting slump, leading to stress and pessimism as you progress through life.
Find your motivation
Psychologists have identified three sources of resistance stopping you from getting things done. Once you know them, you can change how you think about them to help yourself find your drive again!
1. “I have to…”
Some people struggle with being delegated, and specifically to do tasks they don’t enjoy. This can cause you to produce a poor quality of work or hand in your work late, as you wouldn’t be dedicated to doing an efficient job.
2. “I don’t feel right about this…”
For your motivation to last, you need to cater to your values and beliefs. If you’re doing something you don’t believe in, you’re less likely to enjoy it. For example, if your company forces you to work overtime but you value family time, then your motivation to do your work will take a strain because it clashes with something important to you.
3. “I can’t do this…”
Being given a difficult task can be daunting and cause you to struggle to even get started. What’s more is that if you believe you aren’t capable of doing something, the thought of failing may cause you to avoid doing your work and find a distraction instead. YouTube videos, anyone?
Get back your motivation
Count your blessings
One of the main causes of unhappiness at work is not realising and appreciating what you do have. For example, you may be unhappy at your job because it’s taking long for you to reach your goals. Why not rather focus on the privilege of having a job especially in a country where unemployment is rife? Next, focus on your goal to move up the ladder. What will get you there? Do you need to upskill? Hone in on practical solutions that will get you to your main objective.
Stick to bite-sized goals
Big goals or tasks can be daunting, so breaking it up can help. For example, if you have a big presentation due for work, start with research first, then a slideshow, etc. Create smaller tasks within the big one, so you consistently make progress. As you meet your smaller goals you’ll feel more encouraged and a sense of accomplishment.
Have a set downtime
Most of us are guilty of packing up at the office, just to go home and work. Routinely doing this can leave you burnt out and demotivated as your job may seem all-consuming. It’s important to realise when enough is enough. Set work and rest times for yourself and stick to it. For example, don’t answer emails after 5pm or open that laptop on weekends!
Celebrate small wins
A pat on the back goes a long way, so reward yourself for your personal wins. For example, after you’ve finished a difficult project or met a hectic deadline, buy your favourite lunch or leave work early that day. Celebrating small victories will encourage and motivate you to tackle bigger ones.
