Whether you are suffering from a loss of motivation due to reduced business, a difficult client or customer, personal issues, or anything else contributing to a loss of productivity, it is worth knowing how to tell when you lose motivation, what to do, and how to get back on your feet.
The next time you fall into a bit of a slump, try these tips – they just reinvigorate your spirit a little.
1. Reflect on your past success
If you are lucky enough to have a portfolio of past projects, success stories, case studies, or testimonials from satisfied clients, then go back and reflect on your past success.
Think about the amount of time, energy, and effort you put into completing these tasks. Remember how it made you feel when you finally got to submit that work, not to mention the kind words your client or customer said after reviewing it. You probably felt pretty satisfied at that moment, right?
Even if the work you are producing now is not your best, that does not mean you will never replicate your past success again. Keep in mind the fact that you are capable of producing good work, and – with enough persistence and patience – your motivation to succeed will return.
2. Read a book related to your current project or topic of interest
One way to regain your skills and confidence, without entirely slamming on the brakes, is to read a book or article on your current task. It could be an article or blog post, non-fiction book, or even an engaging online forum discussion.
Either way, as long as the information is told to you in an engaging and informative way, and by people who actually know what they are talking about, then you will likely get value out of it. Better still, you might learn something new along the way, or gain a fresh perspective on a preconceived notion that you had.
Best of all? Reading this kind of content gives you a chance to take a slight mental break from your task. However, since the content is relevant to what you are doing, you are still ‘in the zone,’ just in a more casual and informal way. As a result, you are more likely to return to the task with a more positive mindset.
3. Take a break altogether
You might think that stepping away from what you are currently doing is counterintuitive. However, according to research, taking short, frequent breaks can not only help you refresh and recharge, but also give you the required energy to focus with greater efficiency once you come back.
Secondly, taking a break gives you a chance to add some variety to your day, making it feel less monotonous. You could change scenery by walking around the park, doing some house chores or basic exercises (as opposed to sitting in a chair), or play a video game that does not require strenuous mental activity.
Finally, if you are getting frustrated at a particular task, by going for a short break, this can help you revaluate the situation and return with a more positive mindset. This way, you are more likely to resolve the issue faster and efficiently, yet still maintain a positive working relationship with your colleagues and clients.
4. Set realistic goals
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when you have a large project to tackle. To make what can be a daunting task a bit easier, break it down into smaller, manageable milestones and goals.
For instance, if you expect a project will take 3 to 4 days to complete, split the project up into tasks that you can complete for each day leading up to the deadline. And, if you happen to slightly fall behind on a particular day, you can rollover those unfinished task on to the next day.
Another way to ensure that you meet these goals is to reward yourself throughout the day or week. Come up with reward ideas that are actually meaningful to you and that you crave on a frequent basis. For instance, if you love drinking coffee, reward yourself with another cup once you finish a particular task.