It’s a challenging time for everyone. Your motivation may start to suffer. That’s okay. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, working from home, isolation and quarantine. These are all things that have become the norm. It can be a challenge to stay motivated. While the exciting prospects of working from home every day and avoiding the commute have started to fade, it’s important to tap into ways to keep up your motivation.
There is no secret to staying motivated. All it takes is doing a number of smaller things each day to stay motivated and keep on track at work. If you are lacking motivation, try some of these tactics:
adjust your expectations
Many people overlook just how much of an impact COVID-19 is having on them. It’s okay to have an off day. There is a lot of uncertainty. Stress levels are high for many people. So, adjust your expectations. Focus on your mental health and overall well-being. If you don’t take care of yourself first, there is little chance you will be motivated at work.
take time for yourself
It’s easy to get caught in the trap of actually working more. You have access to work resources at all times. Your work phone and computer are close by. It can be challenging to get away from things. Work may be on your mind more than ever. You may think a few extra minutes of work here and there won’t hurt. Or working late or on the weekends for a few hours will help you get ahead. Doing this can actually work against you over time. When you don’t take time for yourself and mentally get a break from work, your motivation will suffer. You risk burning out. Take time for yourself every day. Try your best to separate work from home life.
work on what energizes you
There are certain things you probably enjoy working on. What it is will vary from person to person. But having something on your to-do list each day that you find enjoyable will help you stay motivated.
schedule and prioritize
Even though you are at home, it’s still important to follow a schedule. You still need to prioritize your work tasks and set deadlines for yourself. Have a consistent start and end to the workday. Break up your workday into smaller, more manageable tasks that you can work through like a checklist. There is something motivating in and of itself about being able to check something off your to-do list. Find a schedule that works for you and stick with it.
get active
Staying active is good for your physical and mental well-being. It can also help you stay motivated at work. Make sure to schedule breaks and time to get outside and get some fresh air – socially distanced, of course. Use your lunch break to get in a quick at-home workout or go for a run or walk. This can help you break up the workday. You’ll be able to clear your mind and get a fresh start to the second half.
don’t dwell on what you can’t control
Right now, there are a lot of things out of our control. You can’t dwell on these things. Perhaps your job duties have shifted somewhat, or you don’t have access to all the tools you need when working from home. Focus on the positives of the situation. For one, you are still fortunate enough to have a job at a time when many others are out of work. There is always a silver lining to every situation. Don’t dwell on the negatives.
stay connected
Even though you aren’t in the same physical location, it’s important to stay connected with your coworkers. Connect on social media, have video chats, and engage with your coworkers every day. This will help you reduce the feeling of isolation and feel like part of the team.