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Source, creative recruitment specialists in London, examine how to keep that all important self-motivation going and provide tips and tricks along the way.
Self-motivation is a great attribute to have but not always easy. We look at how to stay motivated by setting yourself goals, whether long or short term; and ways to keep your motivation levels up!
Are you good at self-motivation? Generally I’m pretty good at motivating myself, but this blog post is proving difficult. I’ve spent the morning procrastinating; finding other things to do, getting distracted by social media and what my colleagues are talking about (yes, I can hear you!). Of course, finding it difficult to focus on a particular task is generally only a minor glitch. However to stay motivated long term can be more of a challenge, particularly if you hit a setback or other difficulties along the way. Read on if you want to learn more about how to stay motivated.
Tips to Help You Stay Motivated
Goals, Aims and Targets
Whether it’s a long term career objective, completing a project on time or just getting through a difficult week, having a goal in mind is the key to help you stay motivated. With large goals such as career advancement, break it down into stages so that you have more easily achievable targets. Lists and mind mapping are useful tools to help you visualize your goals and how to achieve them.
Reasons for Doing Things
With your goal in mind you can find good reasons for why you need to finish even the most arduous task. Instead of focusing on the problem, look at what you have to gain from completing it. Good reasons could be:
Personal gain – self-improvement, new experience, new skills.
Financial or material gain – getting paid to do something is generally a good motivator!
A step closer to your overall goal – another point ticked off on your list.
Reward Yourself
Keep it in proportion but a reward for completing a task or reaching a target is a great incentive for getting it done. I’m going have lunch when I’ve finished this, and not the tired looking sandwich I made at the crack of dawn, but something from the deli down the road. Bigger achievements warrant larger rewards in my book, decide on your own incentives to help keep your motivated.
Take a Break
Sometimes getting away from a project or task and returning to it with fresh eyes can kick start productivity and enthusiasm. Admittedly this approach doesn’t work if you’re up against a tight deadline. But if you have time on your side, even if it’s only half an hour, getting a bit of perspective can really help motivation. For some people what’s needed might be more than an afternoon off. Many of us return from holidays feeling more positive and able to stay motivated than before we left. Getting some distance from work can help you reassess your goals and where you want to be further down the line.
A Different Angle
If your current approach is not working, how about considering it from a different angle? Whether you need to ignite a bit of passion for your role or make your day-to-day tasks more fun, a fresh approach might be needed. We all find our motivation in different ways and so one persons’ approach is not necessarily the best for you. Keep experimenting with different methods until you find what works for you.
Assess your Progress
Don’t forget how far you’ve come. While your focus and motivation is on your long term goals, it’s important to look back occasionally on your achievements and progress. This gives you an overview of where you are now and how far you have to go. Recognising your achievements can be very motivating.
Re-evaluate your Priorities
A lack of motivation can be a down to shifting priorities. Lifestyle changes may mean your long term goals are no longer relevant. We may perceive switching course as admitting failure, yet taking a risk by changing direction is a brave decision to take. Re-evaluate your priorities and whether your goals are true to them: if they’re not it could be time to change them.
Few of us can honestly claim that we are motivated all of the time, however we develop our own personal methods for getting that self-motivation back. I’m off to have lunch now. What are your tips for how to stay motivated?
Top image from Imgembed.
This piece is cross-posted from Source—a London based recruitment agency specializing in advertising and creative roles.