The start of a new work year is different for everyone. Some people come back from their break refreshed, invigorated and full of new goals to implement in the year ahead. Others take a little more time to get into the groove and shake off the holiday vibes to get focused on the tasks at hand.
Regardless of where your head is currently at, it is important to find ways to get motivated and STAY motivated.
Working in a business like Preston Hire that is constantly evolving and challenging itself to do more, be more and sell more … we need our staff to grow with us and maintain a hungry attitude to always be putting our best foot forward.
Try these 7 tips for motivating yourself … even when it seems hard!
1. DON’T THINK ABOUT IT AS HARD WORK
Think about it: If the project you’re faced with isn’t viewed as drudgery, but rather as a piece of the puzzle that’s helping you along your career path, then perhaps the energy required to do it will be easier to come by. Try not to think so much about how difficult or frustrating or impossible the task might be and instead think about how good it must feel to be that, or how proud you might be to have done that. Make hard look easy!
2. CREATE SMALL, BITE SIZED GOALS
Of course you should have a really big, audacious goal. But make sure you break down that goal into bite-sized, consumable goals. This way you’ll feel like you’re making progress in your journey and you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment when you complete the smaller goals. A feeling of progress and achievement is a beautiful combination.
Creating a To-Do list is a brilliant way to keep motivated. The feeling of crossing off a task gives you a tangible acknowledgement that you really are getting things done.
3. READ DAILY
Although it may sound counter-productive to set aside reading time when really what you’re looking for is motivation to work hard, sometimes it’s necessary to do something seemingly unrelated to tackle the task at hand. Developing a daily reading habit is one thing that’s likely to have a long-lasting impact on your thought processes, ultimately inspiring you in all areas of your life. Whether it be the news, trade magazines or books – find something that keeps your mind active and challenged.
4. STOP CARING ABOUT THINGS THAT DON’T MATTER
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Doing things that don’t mean anything cost us a huge amount of mental energy. By eliminating unnecessary “noise” you will stay more consistently motivated if you’re working on activities that are inherently meaningful or are part of a larger mission.
5. SET A QUIT TIME
We can’t work 24/7. It is really important to have time out to recharge, enjoy moments with family and friends and zone out. It has been proven we are more productive when we have had some time out and aren’t thinking about work all day. We encourage everyone to take their lunch breaks away from their desk and off their phones. Be sure to switch off of an evening and be present with your loved ones rather than being distracted by thoughts of work.
6. JUST DO IT
Don’t waste time. Instead of waiting around, willing yourself to feel motivated, what if you just went ahead and started doing the work you know you need to do? Sometimes jumping in and tackling what needs to be done is the best way to get focused and excited about the project at hand.
7. CELEBRATE WINS
If we don’t give ourselves a pat on the back when we do achieve great things … what are we doing it all for? Be sure to take time to acknowledge all the good things you are doing. Don’t discount the little things – they all add up to large achievements! If you are a manager – tell your staff member you noticed their work and great job! If you recognise a colleague is kicking goals – tell them it is awesome and to keep it up. We all play a role in motivating each other too.
If we all bring a focused, positive and motivated attitude to work each day we will achieve great things in 2019.
Discuss with your team ways to keep your branch atmosphere uplifted and ready to tackle the goals set. Any great ideas you have we would love to hear them!
