The summertime blues can get the best of us and we can start feeling unmotivated at work–especially for those in offices where windows are a rare commodity.
Knowing there’s sunshine out there that you’re not able to enjoy can be a major motivation killer. And we don’t blame you: how can you motivate yourself to get any work done when all you want to do is be outside enjoying the sun? What can you besides twiddle your thumbs until it’s time to clock out?
Here are 5 tips for finding your internal motivation and bringing back that positive attitude.Â
1. Take your work outdoors
Each company is different, but sometimes if you’re feeling unmotivated your boss just might let you slip outside for a couple hours. If you have a laptop and strong Wi-Fi, a change of scenery is a great way to recharge your motivation battery. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the great weather while checking tasks off your to-do list.
Don’t worry too much if you have a desktop computer or if your boss says no. There are plenty of ways to get your outdoor fix while still at work. Think about taking your lunch break outside or maybe even parking your car further away from your office so you can enjoy an early-morning walk that will keep you energized for the rest of the day.
Sometimes, all it takes to get outside and get motivated is a little creativity. Even if you don’t have the liberty of hanging out outside with your laptop, there are still plenty of ways to catch some rays throughout the day.
2. Build out long-term and short-term goals
Do you feel like you’re in a rut and have nothing to do? Make a list of goals that you’d like to reach long-term, then build out short-term goals that will help you achieve them. By having a list of expectations for yourself, you can visualize what you need to get done. That will do a lot to help motivate you in your daily tasks.
3. Make it personal
Feeling personally invested in your goals can make them much easier to complete. Approach every task with the idea, “What is in this for me? What do I personally gain out of this?” By making your work goals personal, you end up motivating yourself to finish them because you’re invested in them.
4. Turn negativity into positivity
If there is something on your mind that is weighing you down, try your best to fix that first. Sometimes, motivating yourself to be the solution to a problem is all you need to make things that much better.
Whether it is a work-related disappointment or something at home, try to make it a goal for yourself to turn those negative feelings into positive ones. Tackling anything with a positive mindset will always be better than going at negatively.
5. Ask for help
Finally, if you find yourself in a rut at work, ask for help! If you have great co-workers or a mentor, they are always going to be there for you. Engaging with your coworkers can energize you and make you feel like you are part of team, which in turn makes you feel motivated to not fail them.
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Does your lack of motivation mean it’s time to find a new opportunity? Search jobs in your area.