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motivation at work

What do you do to get motivated at work?

I work in a pretty lax environment and can get away with just looking busy without doing much if I want to.  I just can't seem to get motivated - and I really need to.  I have a lot of stuff to learn (some of it is re-learning since I haven't worked with it in a year or so), but I have no real deadlines, so I'm struggling.

 

 

Re: motivation at work

  • I hear you, sister!  I can empathize.  I work in a similar environment.  My job is to help people who don't want help.  My work will never really be done and I'm pretty much working on an open-ended "project" into oblivion.  It's rough because I'm a very task- and deadline-oriented person.  Even setting little milestones for myself hasn't really helped...to what end am I doing all of this?  I don't know.  Eh, I've still got a pretty bad case of vacation brain at the moment.  I'm hoping to get out of this rut soon...although I was already in this rut before I went on vacation and the vacation was supposed to get me out of it!  *sigh*  Keep on truckin' I guess....
  • I struggle with this CONSTANTLY.

    Does making lists help you?  I have found that it helps me b/c I can visually SEE how much I have to do, and crossing items off is satisfying.  When I get in for the day I pick however many I think I can complete during that day (and I'm realistic about what I can really get done).  If I'm particularly unmotivated I sometimes even e-mail the person that requested the work and say they will have it by the afternoon - then I'm locked in.  (I guess I work better under pressure?)

     

    If some of your stuff is training and independent work it might be a little more difficult, but I would still try to make it a point to complete (add it to your calendar, white board, or even a post it note on your desk) and set a deadline.

  • I work in a similarly "free" environment and I am an executive, so there's even less oversight.  That said, I have TONS to do and stay on track by making lists, keeping a calendar and setting deadlines for myself and my department.  I am a stickler for completing projects on or before the deadline, so that keeps me very motivated!
  • imageMauiWedding08:

    I struggle with this CONSTANTLY.

    Does making lists help you?  I have found that it helps me b/c I can visually SEE how much I have to do, and crossing items off is satisfying.  

    Yes!  This is the only thing that keeps me on track!

    I have a desk calendar (the Franklin page-a-day type) with a task list.  Sometimes when I'm *ahem* Nesting, I'll look at the calendar and get a little shock when I see how much I have left to do!  It also helps me remember projects that get set aside for last-minute requests that HAVE to be done right away, since I transfer the unfinished items to the next day's list, before adding new things as they come in.

    image
  • I'm a slacker in the marking department. I HATE doing it. Otherwise, I guess I'm lucky to have a job that requires me to be on the ball and prepared everyday.

    It is exhausting though. =/

  • Hehe, I knot/nest, then code, and then when I wait for the code to build, I come back and knot/nest again =P I don't know if that's real motivation but it helps me to have knot/nest breaks in between so I don't feel too worn out. I also snack when I'm feeling in a rut.

    We also report status every morning so I guess that's motivation...to at least have something done to report about =) I guess having self-imposed daily tasks to complete also works?

    Sept 2008 Wedding | May 2010 & Mar 2012 Babies
  • i'm not a good person to ask - i also struggle with this all the time. Sad  i have no problem dealing with the things that come up every day, but it's the big-picture stuff that i have a hard time making time to do.  i set goals for myself each week (get started on this doc, plan that thing) - but don't always hit them.  but it helps a little?  when i *really* need to get something done, i also try a self-imposed ban at work on TN, FB, cnn, my blog reader, etc - all my usual procrastination tools.  haven't gotten the courage to close personal email yet, hah, but i probably should try that too. 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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