How to stay motivated at work
In job interviews, you are often asked: "what motivates you." Interestingly this question is only asked before you start a job. However, it is a valuable question you should repeatedly ask yourself as you get deeper into your job responsibilities. This topic is very close to my heart because I see many people around me who don't feel motivated at work. With all the time we spend at work, it is essential to enjoy it.
The primary objective of this post is to encourage you to be in the driver's seat when it comes to your motivation at work. Often motivation is talked about as if we have to depend on others to motivate us. Earlier in my career, I tied my motivation to things my managers or team did. It became exhausting as I was often disappointed and in turn easily demotivated. Once I decided to make a change and start being self-motivated, I found more happiness at work.
Why do you need to be motivated?
There are many benefits of being motivated at work that you want to tap into:
You do high-quality work
You feel energized and excited to work
You grow and develop new skills
You make great professional connections
You are balanced and happier
How to stay motivated at work
Let's explore five ways to take control of staying motivated at work
#1: Do work that you enjoy
The concept of being able to enjoy the work that you do is one I have been pondering on lately. Does it mean that you have to enjoy every task you do? The answer that gives me peace is, no you don't have to enjoy every single aspect of your job. The key is to identify the one thing you like doing at work and do it well. Although you might have to do things you don't like, now you have something that makes you smile.
#2: Build a peer motivation community
Camaraderie and peer motivation are significant factors for employee motivation. Build your support group of co-workers and other colleagues that help one another stay motivated. I encourage you to surround yourself mostly with co-workers who are positive and motivated. You will begin to see great results in your attitude and motivation at work.
#3: Own your professional development
One of the reasons we feel stuck is that we fail to plan our careers. An excellent way to avoid getting to that point is to have a professional development plan. Ensure you set goals and work towards them. Working towards your career goals will not only help you grow professional it will also help you stay motivated.
#4: Check your motivation gauge regularly
Be aware of the circumstances that affect your motivation negatively. Make it a priority to check in with yourself and adjust accordingly. Personally, checking in on how I'm doing at least once a month helps me. I notice that if I let too much time pass without checking in, I miss key signals that highlight the need to make a change.
#5: Stay connected to your professional network
Some great ways to get instant motivation at work include keeping your skills current, being mentored, reading industry journals as well as attending events and conferences. Staying connected to other professionals outside your day to day team provides you with a needed fresh perspective. I've found inspiration from my professional network. Keeping your inner fire burning is crucial!
Final Thoughts
Here are the Top 10 lessons I have learned about staying motivated at work
Motivate your self - find your inner drive and don't depend on others.
Take action - seek out opportunities that inspire you.
Money is one of many motivation tools - it should not be the only thing that motivates you to do great work
Change is a good source of motivation - routine and boredom are motivation killers.
Motivation is not constant - there are times when you feel more motivated than other times - it's ok.
Celebrate your achievements - you'll get instant motivation when you celebrate your key milestones.
Aspire for more - keep working towards meeting your goals.
Appreciate your unique journey - don't compare yourself to anyone.
Grow your career - don't settle where you are now, prioritize professional growth.
Be confident - self-doubt will kill your motivation. You are great at what you do!
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