Have you found yourself struggling at work—just trying to stay afloat or even make it through the day? A recent report from VoiceNation revealed that 37% of U.S. workers struggle with the tasks expected of them in their job roles. In addition to everyday office struggles, Deloitte’s Well-being at Work Survey shows that overall employee well-being is declining. In the survey, 84% of respondents say improving their well-being is a top priority, but 80% admit facing significant hurdles. Topping the list of obstacles include long work hours, a stressful job and a heavy workload.
Many factors are considered motivation killers at work. While some employees encounter limited opportunities for professional growth, others endure micromanagement and a lack of autonomy. Burnout is another phenomenon that can have a devastating effect on employee productivity. According to a survey from Mason Frank in partnership with SalesforceCRM -0.3%, 44% of full-time workers experience burnout. Some leading causes cited by respondents include unrealistic deadlines, unmanageable workloads and insufficient support.
Whether you feel in over your head or stuck in a dead-end job, there are effective techniques to increase your engagement. Let’s look at 10 ways to reignite your motivation when you’re struggling at work.
Break Down Big Tasks
When struggling at work, one of the most destructive habits is to set unattainable goals. It’s more productive to focus on progress, not perfection. Break large projects down into more manageable tasks. That way, you can celebrate milestones along the way, which will help you stay motivated.
Reward Yourself
How often do you reach a significant milestone at work only to focus on the next big project immediately? A better practice is to reward yourself. Consider setting aside time to do something relaxing like getting a massage, planning a girls’ trip or just reading a book. Even if you decide to take a break to get your favorite latte, it helps to relieve stress and renew your energy.
Remove Distractions
If you find yourself struggling at work, distractions are a common culprit. For example, checking email or Slack compulsively throughout the day can be incredibly time-consuming. Instead, turn off push notifications and close your email while working on projects. Then, set aside multiple time blocks on your calendar when you read and respond to emails.
Find Meaning In Your Work
When you need a motivation boost, it helps to consider how your work impacts others. Think about your job in a broader sense. Does your job contribute to the greater good? Feeling that your role has a purpose beyond day-to-day tasks can help boost your self-esteem and productivity.
Cultivate A Sense Of Community
Many people find themselves struggling at work because they feel isolated. Whether you have social anxiety or work remotely, there are ways to alleviate feelings of loneliness. One approach is to get to know your co-workers better personally. By understanding what people do in their free time, you may realize that you share common interests.
Seek An Outside Perspective
If you can’t determine the source of dissatisfaction at work, an outside perspective may help. Reach out to a trusted friend or mentor for advice. Mentors are a free resource that can listen and offer constructive feedback. Another option is to enlist the help of a career coach. These professionals usually have valuable industry experience that allows them to recommend courses of action you may not have considered.
Build Your Skills
Another way to get your drive back is to seek learning opportunities. In today’s competitive environment, it’s essential to continually develop your skills at work. That might mean taking advantage of company training, attending a conference or registering for a certification course. Adding to your qualifications can also have a lasting positive impact on your self-confidence.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
While comparing yourself to your co-workers is common, it can be detrimental and wear on your self-esteem. Instead, document your achievements. Include everything you can think of and post the list somewhere you can see it daily. That way, you train yourself to focus on your strengths instead of someone else’s.
Work On Your Personal Brand
Personal branding isn’t limited to celebrities and influencers. Business leaders are tapping into the power of a curated online presence to generate opportunities for career growth. Finding and investing in a niche increases your perceived value and establishes you as an expert in your field.
Change Your Inner Dialogue
Rather than wait for encouragement from your manager, be your own cheerleader. Become aware of your internal dialogue and challenge any negative self-talk. Ask yourself whether the statement has any evidence to support it. Then, replace unhelpful thoughts with more supportive language. In other words, talk to yourself like you would a good friend.
When you find yourself struggling at work, don’t just try to power through it. Use these strategies to identify the issue and take action. Remember, the average person spends one-third of their life at work. You deserve to thrive rather than just survive.
Forbes
