In a perfect world all employers would take a vested interest in the happiness of their employees to ensure job satisfaction. However, we do not live in a perfect world. That’s why it’s ultimately up to us to make ourselves happy. Sounds easy, right? Not always, but it doesn’t have to be unattainable either.
Take Responsibility
Before low motivation can be turned around, it is essential to take ownership of your motivation level. If you are not in the mindset to change the level of interest taken in the job on a day to day basis, efforts to change will be fruitless. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking the time to STOP and realistically assess how you feel about the job.
Consider the following questions to start down the road of responsibility:
- When did my motivation start to wane?
- Do I surround myself with positive or negative people/activities?
- Is the negative aspect of something the first and only viewpoint considered?
- Am I making what happens at work too personal?
When you take time to stop and really assess what is happening at the office, the change of perspective will shed light on whether you are to blame for the lack of motivation. Whether or not you have the desire to do a job and do it well is ultimately a personal decision. When you take responsibility and admit to basically sabotaging the motivation to perform job duties well, a big weight will be lifted. Why? Because now you are in control. Let’s face it, the only person someone can control in life is themselves.
Attitude Adjustment
Now that the blame game is over, it’s time to make some changes to achieve a happier existence in the office. It all comes down to attitude. If it’s not positive, then there is no chance motivation will be restored and happiness will elude you.
Try these following activities to boost your mood, spirit and outlook on a day-to-day basis:
- Do something you love – it doesn’t have to be earth shattering, try listening to favorite station/song on the way to work, treating yourself to a favorite coffee, changing the background of your desktop/mobile device to a positive or “soothing” picture
- Avoid “Debbie Downer” – avoid negative coworkers, if possible, if not possible make it into a little game by counteracting with a positive thought/comment whenever the negative side is presented
- Take breaks – a little “time out” to get a breath of fresh air, or time away from the computer screen might just be the ticket to “righting” your motivation for the next task/project
- Clean up/organize – make sure your desk is at least organized (you’ll be surprised how a visually tidy workspace can alleviate stress for a better attitude)
Don’t forget to consider the positive aspects of the job either (e.g. getting paid, health insurance, gaining work experience, expanding a network of contacts/prospects). Overall, don’t waste time wallowing in an unmotivated state. Accept responsibility, assess the situation and make changes for a better today/tomorrow.
Life too short! Take control to increase motivation and achieve happiness at work, and don’t forget:
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present” – Bil Keane
Fun Team Building Helps Teams Discover Lost Motivation
Fun Team Building with Larry Lipman can help your organization get to the bottom of motivation issues hindering valuable team building. Through problem solving games and other helpful team building activities, Larry utilizes an interactive agenda to help your workers work through issues to boost organizational motivation, together! Call Larry today at 770-333-3303 for your free 15-minute consultation.