6 Ways to Stay Motivated When You Don't Feel Like Doing Something

If you're feeling the summer break right now, you're not alone. Still, deadlines don't stop just because it's summer.

The older you get as a manager, the more you have to motivate yourself. As a leadership coach, I have worked with many clients over the years to ignite their motivation. Try these strategies when you need a boost.

1. Take a break.

Maybe you are tired. Before forcing yourself to accelerate, make sure you've done enough to bring the vehicle down. Get some sleep, take a day or two off (maybe a week or two?), and above all, do something fun. See if this helps you regain your enthusiasm.

2. Shake.

Routines are extremely useful for getting things done automatically. The problem is that sometimes a great routine can become routine. Sometimes the best way to stay motivated is to get away from it all. Instead of meditating, watch silly YouTube in the morning. Turn on dance music and let yourself be rocked. Take a walk withinside the middle of the day. Call a friend instead of sifting through email to put out a fire. Variety is the spice of life and salt can boost motivation.

3. Working on something else.

Maybe you're banging your head against the wall trying to set a budget or go through your list and you just don't have the energy. But maybe you don't mind rescheduling a meeting or writing a note outlining the ground rules for your new project. Doing something will make you feel better. So permit yourself to do whatever you have the energy to do now.

4) Plan small victories.

One thing that will motivate you is progress. Progress can take many forms, including a very small victory. Not motivated to start a project. Just create a list of related businesses. Maybe do one simple thing you can do and cross it off your list. Try the same process with a trivial to-do list. Or maybe you need to motivate yourself for a difficult conversation? Describe what you want to say without making up words. Gathering your thoughts is a very satisfying little victory.

5. Avoid distractions.

This suggestion is not on target. It's not even about procrastination, which of course is part of the motivational puzzle. But the context shift — scrolling through social media, sending email, reading something that catches your eye — just doesn't motivate. If you want to rest, rest. If you go to work, work. Redouble your efforts to get rid of those distractions.

6) Forgive Yourself

Remember Hofstadter's Law: Things take longer than you think. Deviations and dips are part of this process. So don't be too hard on yourself if you feel like you're being too ambitious when it comes to what you think you can achieve in a given amount of time. Adjust your expectations and remember that if you consistently take small steps, you can achieve a lot. As a leader, your motivation comes and goes naturally. Use these strategies to summon him when needed.