This was my topic for the week and although the discussion on Friday went slightly off piste. I feel that this is still relevant and useful information for any business owner or employee.

Personal motivation is key to maintaining almost all aspects of life. If we are not motivated, we are more likely to squander our time and neglect our personal and professional goals. Even the most determined people can lose steam at times.

Motivated employers/employees are happier, more energetic, more productive, more driven and better performing. Motivation is contagious and has positive spill-over effects on the whole team/business.

• REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR GOALS
• Usually before devoting time to any specific endeavour we tend to make short and long term goals. Clarify in no uncertain terms your vision, mission and objectives and focus on them beginning always with the end in mind. Keep checking to see how much closer you are to getting through the whole process. Focus on your goals and visualise yourself achieving them.

1. Working haphazardly without having a clear vision, mission and set of objectives for your work is very demotivating.

• ESTABLISH A CLEAR GAME-PLAN FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS

Formulate a detailed strategy for achieving your goals and chart your progress on a regular and ongoing basis. If you see you are on track or even excelling you will be motivated and happy that you are getting there. If you see you are lagging it may be the kick you need to help you get back on track.

• REWARD YOURSELF

Reward yourself when you reach your objective and/or milestone. This could be as simple as a bowl of ice cream after a long hard week of working or a trip to the Spa. Plan ahead for this reward give yourself something to look forward to.

• KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

Always remind yourself of why you work. Besides money, it is often about realising your potential, feeling alive, feeling useful, feeling connected, making a difference in the world, expressing creativity, expanding your skills and abilities, helping others and contributing to the community. List the reasons you entered the field you are in and when times are tough remind yourself of why you do the work you do. Also remind yourself that work is work and that you have a life outside of work to look forward to, enjoy and make a difference in.

• MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WORK/LIFE BALANCE

It is very easy to lose yourself at work and forget what awaits you outside of the work arena. Maintaining a healthy work life balance is essential to both your general motivation and your overall wellbeing. Make sure you take time to do the things you love – be it connecting with friends and family, exercising, reading, taking courses, shopping or other hobbies etc. having something to look forward to will see you through moments of drudgery and help you to be more motivated at work.

1. THINK POSITIVE

Negativity is a contagious affliction that drains you of your energy, slows you down, saps your enthusiasm and blinds you to the reasons you work. So concentrate on the positive. Find things to laugh at (as long as it’s not your peers) and count your blessings at every opportunity. Focus on your achievements no matter how small, or a positive remark, over achieving on a small deliverable, working well with people, a looming vacation, etc.

Tips:

• Eliminate distractions – phones, computer apps i.e. social media, people, etc.
• Move your body – go for a short walk, do jumping jacks, etc. Even light physical exercise can affect our moods, thwart depression and low self-image.
• Have personal idols. Your favourite Politician, athlete, or business man, be inspired by their stories.
• Surprise yourself – try to put unpredictability into your day such as:

• Spend lunch in a scenic place
• Have an impromptu football game with colleagues
• Bring home cooking in for co-workers
• Take a friend or significant other out for a night on the town even if there’s no special occasion.

Warning

• If you are severely unmotivated or have a hard time motivating yourself to accomplish even basic, necessary goals such as getting out of bed, working, or practicing personal hygiene, see a doctor or counsellor – this may be a sign of depression.