Staying Motivated at Work When the Going Gets Tough

Sometimes, all it takes to get through a tough work day are a few funny work quotes or cute cat videos.

At other times, problems are more long-lasting.

Whether your stresses begin in the workplace, at home, or with an unstable economy, you can stay motivated when the going gets tough. Let’s take a closer look at each category of issues and what you can do to keep motivating yourself.

Dealing With Burnout

According to the Harvard Business Review, “Effective self-motivation is one of the main things that distinguishes high-achieving professionals from everyone else.” But how can you keep pushing when you're feeling burned out?

First, let’s define what burnout is. It’s more than just feeling tired or stressed. Burnout involves “chronic exhaustion and strong textures of frustration and powerlessness.”

If that describes the way you feel, it’s time to take action. First, make sure you are taking care of yourself physically. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, and do a bit of exercise each week.

Then, analyze your priorities. Set boundaries so that you can enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Be realistic about what you can do, and avoid taking on unnecessary tasks. Simplify your lifestyle and spending habits if needed.

Once you’ve done these things, you can strive to make work enjoyable again. Set reachable goals that you can get excited about. Decide on rewards that will motivate you to reach those goals.

If you feel that your workload is still too heavy, consider talking with your boss about the need for an assistant or for redistributing office responsibilities.

Dealing With Interpersonal Problems at Work

Personalities differ, and interpersonal conflicts in the workplace are bound to happen from time to time. What can you do to minimize the damage?

According to the University of California at San Diego, it all boils down to honing your communication skills, including how well you listen.

First, try to talk it out. Don’t make generalizations like “You always…” or “You never…” In fact, don’t use the word “you” at all. Turn attention to behaviors and events rather than making personal attacks. You might say, “When this happens…” and refer to something specific.

Then, really listen. Practice active listening by not interrupting, asking questions, and paraphrasing the other’s statements to make sure you really understand.

Then, come up with a plan of action together. Treat the other person as if you are on the same team with a common goal, not as an enemy. In this way, you will learn to minimize motivation-sapping conflicts at work.

Staying Motivated Despite Problems at Home

When issues occur in your “real life” outside of work, reverberations are often felt in the workplace. Perhaps you are worried and distracted due to your own health issues or those of a loved one, mourning a loss, contemplating a financial setback, a recent argument, or something else.

While it is impossible to avoid all of life’s challenges, you can take steps to get them under control. Perhaps you might consider:

• Taking a leave of absence to handle health concerns.
• Arranging a hybrid work schedule that will allow you to be more hands-on in caring for your children or other responsibilities.
• Practicing the interpersonal skills discussed above in relationships outside of the workplace.
• Discussing financial needs with your family, and formulating a plan that will allow you to live within your current means.

When you feel that matters such as these are under your control - or at least that they are gaining ground as works in progress - you may worry less and bolster your reserve of mental energy that you can use to focus at work.

Dealing With Economic Challenges

With the COVID-19 pandemic came unexpected changes to the economy. Supply chains were broken, employees were laid off, and businesses closed their doors.

In many places, the economic situation still resonates as unstable, and employees wonder about the stability of their jobs. How can you make sure these fears don’t affect your work performance right now?

• Create an emergency fund - “a cash reserve that’s specifically set aside for unplanned expenses.” Some experts recommend saving up at least $1,000 or the equivalent of three to six months’ expenses.
• Make yourself an invaluable employee. Be reliable, diligent, and accurate in your work. Strive to get along well with others. Be honest. Reach out to learn new skills and hone those you already have.
• Have a Plan B. Cultivate a side hustle or take on occasional gig work that you could lean into as an income stream if you suddenly lost your day job. Nurture your professional network. Have a plan in place as to how you could reduce expenses if your income was reduced for a time.

Key Takeaways

Challenges are bound to happen, and when they do, they can take a toll on how motivated we are at work. Tackle burnout head-on by practicing self-care and being reasonable in your goals. Sharpen your interpersonal skills, and plan for the future. But most of all, have faith in yourself and your abilities!