Dealing With Our Own Demotivation

I don't really feel like writing this today

Some days, we just aren’t feeling it.

And that’s okay.

When you are tired, or distracted, or burnt-out, you need to recognize it. If you can, delegate anything that can’t wait. Push back anything that can wait. Push through on anything that can’t be delegated and can’t wait (but this isn’t going to yield your best work, so only do it when you have to).

And then give yourself permission to recharge. Catch up on sleep. Give yourself downtime. Do what you need to do to recharge—exercise, getting outside, binge-watch a favorite show. Eat stuff that will help you feel better—either healthy choices, or comfort foods. Hug your kid. Pet your dog.

When you return to work, start with a short task that is either fun and/or a quick win. Give yourself the internal reward, so that you feel more positive and motivated the rest of the workday.

The idea is that, when we are at work, we are able to focus and give our best efforts. And since we are human, we can’t do that hour-after-hour, day-after-day, week-after-week without a break. Give yourself that break. Give your people that break. And the upcoming holiday weekend may be a great time for us all to recharge.

(Photo by Tim De Pauw on Unsplash)