Staying motivated at work can, at times, feel almost impossible. Long, drawn-out summer days and family vacations can make work feel like more of a secondary thought than a primary one.
So, how can you focus more on your daily tasks and get more out of your workday?
These five tips will allow you to approach your work with renewed energy!
- Set daily goals.
Getting into a routine of setting daily goals might will give you the boost of confidence you need. Write down your tasks every day so you can commit to finishing them and hold yourself accountable. Scratching off each goal as you complete it will also give you a sense of satisfaction and motivate you to keep going.
Once you begin setting goals every day, your level of focus will improve, and your work outcomes will be more consistent.
- Section off time to relax.
Lunch shouldn’t be your only break during your day. Stepping away from your desk can provide a new perspective on a difficult task. Even if your break is only for 5 minutes, or a quick walk around your floor, giving your brain a well-deserved break will go a long way!
If you’re not a big fan of taking gradual breaks throughout the day, mark off some time on your calendar at the end of your day before you leave to decompress. Take those last few minutes to prepare for your day tomorrow and save yourself the hassle of rushing to the office in the morning.
- Stay positive.
Put up little anecdotes around your desk space with motivational quotes and pictures. Inspire yourself to succeed by reinforcing positive self-talk and rewarding yourself after completing tasks. Enjoy a nice snack during your day or go for a short walk around the building!
Positivity can motivate you to get through your long days, and even make them feel shorter.
- Focus on one task at a time.
Tackling each goal one at a time will increase your motivation to finish them. Try marking off time on your calendar for deep work to really concentrate on the task without any interruptions. Make sure to also take periodic breaks throughout your deep work sessions to keep your mind alert.
Your attention to detail will become more precise because of your high level of focus.
- Have fun.
Walking into the office every day shouldn’t be a chore. It’s important to make sure that you are accomplishing all your daily tasks, but they don’t necessarily have to be done in a boring environment. Mingle with your co-workers and find ways to make work more fun. Whether it’s improving your office culture or simply playing games during your short breaks, having fun at work will not only increase your morale but lift the happiness of others as well.
As with all new strategies, practice makes perfect, so don’t feel pressured to rush into all these tips at once. Practice doing maybe one or two every day for a week and ease your way into them. Your manager will certainly notice the change!