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Motivation
How do I stay motivated at work when the assignment I am asked to do for the day does not interest me? I find myself tired and not being able to stay focused.
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11 answers
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Bailey’s Answer
This might be a sign of burnout, which can be very toxic for you and your career. When I start feeling like this, I try to talk to my supervisor about a day off, coming in late, leaving early, or a new assignment. I explain that I might be experiencing burnout and I need a change of pace. On my day off I try to get out of town or do something I really enjoy…. Such as try out new restaurants. I would also look into getting exercise to help relieve the stress you may be experiencing at work. If you continue to feel unmotivated, you might need a new job. Life goes by really fast. Don’t let a job ruin your experience because they will turn around and have your job posted right away. Rest well and I hope you can figure things out!
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Jim’s Answer
Great question! There are so many things I wish I could ask you, such as what line of work are you in and is this type of work generally interesting to you? Full time or part time? Salary or hourly? Do you like your co-workers? Do you like (and learn from) your boss or your colleagues? First, examine your own interests and make a list of your top areas of interests, but also assess your own strengths as a person and as a worker. You need to identify what interests and excites you! Try to migrate your work to be doing what you like and what you're good at! One of the things I have found in my own work is that I enjoy writing, so have been able to be involved with tasks and projects that require writing/grammar/spelling skills. If you are bored/get tired/lose interest it may also be because you don't have enough work to do. Another factor you mentioned is fatigued. Pay close attention to your nutritional/sleeping/exercise habits. Are you pursuing good consistent habits in this regard and supporting a healthy mind and body? Tweaking some of these (ie getting enough rest, fresh air, movement, and feeding your body healthy nutrition) will provide energy and vitality. I highly recommend you examine these areas and make changes if necessary. You WILL ABSOLUTELY notice a difference! You may also assess and explore whether or not there is anything more interesting or challenging for you to do. Ask your boss, let them know you enjoy a challenge and can they help you to identify an assignment or project that will "advance the cause" of your group or company to help meet its goals. Do not remain in your comfort zone, instead push the envelope a little (not too much) and stretch your capabilities to discover and understand how much you can accomplish. You probably will find out that you possess skills and unique interests you maybe never knew you had! Being bored and tired is not where you want to be, so be determined and intentional it is not where you will remain. Think deep down, be creative, but most of all get moving!! You can do it. You have a lot to offer. You will find something on which to focus your time and energy if you look for it. Start today!
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Bob’s Answer
Motivation is tricky because it is the responsibility of yours and your leadership or mentor(s). A good leader/mentor can energize you and give you motivation you did not have for a subject or task that you were not previously motivated for. The opposite is true if you have a poor leader or mentor that can take any motivation you have away. My approach has always been to create my own goals for tasks and challenge myself to complete those tasks as a way to motivate myself. I have also made sure I pursued a formal education path that interested me so that my motivation would help me get through the coursework. As I started my career I stayed focused on technology and took advantage of learning opportunities to help position me for jobs that were interesting to me. At times I knew I would have to perform job tasks that were not in line with what I really wanted to do, but my motivation was the big picture down the road. Seeing where you want to be in a career and taking the steps to get there can help motivate you through tasks that are not desirable because you know its a short term sacrifice for a long term goal in your career.
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Aidan’s Answer
There are two ways to look at an assignment that does not interest you; The first way is to understand that if it does not interest you, why not? Is it becasue you have not had any experience within in or past success with the topic/assignment/task? If so, you now understand that this is a new opportunity to learn something new you would not go out of your way to gain insight on. The second way is to view it as if you are going to teach someone, I do this a lot. I approach the roadblock with a sense of learning about a new topic so I can teach others, and teach myself something new. Having the skillset to approach a new topic with a sense of learning and sharing the knowledge tends to keep the interest going. Now you are not going to learn it all in one day, break it down to small increments and you will find your self being more successful with all projects you are tasked with.
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Teerth’s Answer
Hi Julia,
This problem is very common. For me I try to understand that the work I am doing is actually really important no matter how trivial it may seem!
Look at the work you do from that perspective and the benefits it gives to others as well as yourself.
You could be doing anything for work just realize all work is important and has meaning. Everything matters and has a purpose.
If you truly dislike what you're doing and feel no purpose or fulfillment in it, make plans for a change.
Find out who you are and all of these feelings will subside. This takes work but it will come! Once this happens you will be limitless and your life will feel full and wonderful. Whatever you become.
Example from anime:
Luffy from One Piece has no fear and is free, he knows exactly what he wants and who he is! Jus Like many other real life prominent figures in the world from past and present.
Knowing Who You Are is the Key
Inquirer into your self, Meditate
This problem is very common. For me I try to understand that the work I am doing is actually really important no matter how trivial it may seem!
Look at the work you do from that perspective and the benefits it gives to others as well as yourself.
You could be doing anything for work just realize all work is important and has meaning. Everything matters and has a purpose.
If you truly dislike what you're doing and feel no purpose or fulfillment in it, make plans for a change.
Find out who you are and all of these feelings will subside. This takes work but it will come! Once this happens you will be limitless and your life will feel full and wonderful. Whatever you become.
Example from anime:
Luffy from One Piece has no fear and is free, he knows exactly what he wants and who he is! Jus Like many other real life prominent figures in the world from past and present.
Knowing Who You Are is the Key
Teerth recommends the following next steps:
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Kelly’s Answer
Hello Julia,
When I am having trouble staying focused on an assignment, I have found that taking a break helps. You could simply stretch, refill your drink or even go for a walk. You might also try taking a fresh look at the assignment. Figure out what skills/tools the assignment is helping you gain and how they can be used toward a subject that does interest you. Finally, don't be afraid to express your feelings to your supervisor (in a professional way). It may not get you off the current assignment, but it could open doors in the future.
I hope this information helps. Good luck!
When I am having trouble staying focused on an assignment, I have found that taking a break helps. You could simply stretch, refill your drink or even go for a walk. You might also try taking a fresh look at the assignment. Figure out what skills/tools the assignment is helping you gain and how they can be used toward a subject that does interest you. Finally, don't be afraid to express your feelings to your supervisor (in a professional way). It may not get you off the current assignment, but it could open doors in the future.
I hope this information helps. Good luck!
Updated
Atul’s Answer
I do not know what type/kind of job you are doing?
Is this a summer job or a full-time job after completing your 4-year college degree?
The current job market is hot and you should be able to find a job that interests you to get up in the morning to look forward to doing what you enjoy.
Someone told me "If you enjoy what you do every day, you will never work in your life again".
Find your passion, eat well, avoid bad habits (drugs, alcohol, etc.), and do meditation/yoga with good 8-hour sleep.
Is this a summer job or a full-time job after completing your 4-year college degree?
The current job market is hot and you should be able to find a job that interests you to get up in the morning to look forward to doing what you enjoy.
Someone told me "If you enjoy what you do every day, you will never work in your life again".
Find your passion, eat well, avoid bad habits (drugs, alcohol, etc.), and do meditation/yoga with good 8-hour sleep.
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hi Julia,
Other folks answered very satisfactorily. There is one point that I want to add.
You might first figure out why you lose your motivation. Then it's easier to move forward as the key is to remove that issue. Some examples can be:
The tasks are too complex and need advanced skills,
or it's getting boring, and you want something new,
or you don't see much point in it and think you can handle upper-level tasks,
or as it has been said you are burned out,
...
Other folks answered very satisfactorily. There is one point that I want to add.
You might first figure out why you lose your motivation. Then it's easier to move forward as the key is to remove that issue. Some examples can be:
The tasks are too complex and need advanced skills,
or it's getting boring, and you want something new,
or you don't see much point in it and think you can handle upper-level tasks,
or as it has been said you are burned out,
...
Updated
Madhavi’s Answer
Hello Julia,
I believe that every work that has been assigned me is an opportunity to learn or be successful. Connect the job your doing with people. Try to see how meaningful, important to the people or your organization of your contribution. Try to find a unique purpose out of what you are doing. If you still feel that your work is not motivating you, please do not quit. Look for another opportunity/work/job that give you the same or better earning than what you are getting now before stepping out of this job.
I believe that every work that has been assigned me is an opportunity to learn or be successful. Connect the job your doing with people. Try to see how meaningful, important to the people or your organization of your contribution. Try to find a unique purpose out of what you are doing. If you still feel that your work is not motivating you, please do not quit. Look for another opportunity/work/job that give you the same or better earning than what you are getting now before stepping out of this job.
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
I always go back to Daniel Pink's 3 elements of motivation: autonomy, mastery and purpose. If I am working on something that does not naturally excite me, I reflect on those elements. What is the purpose (how will I impact)? Can I learn a new skill and then master it? Do I have the autonomy to make it my own or approach it a different way that excites me.
I've found that starting with focusing on one element can then open up opportunities to tie in the other elements.
I've found that starting with focusing on one element can then open up opportunities to tie in the other elements.
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Mani’s Answer
Hi Julia, One of the ways I could think of is to take a pause sometimes and consider whether the opportunity aligns with our and the organization's goals. Even discussing this with your Boss will help to better understand the purpose.