Regardless of whether you find your work meaningful or not, it's normal to have days (or even weeks) when you don't feel like getting started.
Take my client Sam (not her real name), for example. She landed her dream job a while ago, which significantly improved her life. Yet, even a dream job doesn't magically solve every issue work throws at us.
During a recent coaching session, Sam confessed that she really didn't feel like working that week. At all.
Her feelings were completely understandable. Sam had a lot going on in her personal life. She was tired of being at work and truly needed a vacation. Unfortunately, taking time off wasn't am option at that moment.
So, our task was to find a way for her to do the work... ideally in a way that actually felt good.
Sometimes, working is like going to the gym
In a way, Sam's situation reminded me of my latest gym experience. While visiting Germany with my little one, I had found a gym that offered childcare. What a relief! 😅
Of course, to use this childcare, I had to be at the gym. Instead of sitting around for two hours while my kiddo played, I figured it could... you know... exercise. (That's some next-level creative thinking there, right?)
The problem was that I really didn't feel like working out right then and there.
So, how did I end up motivating myself? And what about Sam's work task?
How to find motivation at work when you don't have motivation
There's a German saying that reveals the secret to finding motivation when it seems absent. Ready?
"Der Appetit kommt beim Essen." In English, this translates to: "Appetite comes while eating."
If you've ever thought you weren't hungry, only to change your mind after taking the first bite of a tasty meal, you know exactly what this refers to.
But it's not just about food. Perhaps a better way to express the true meaning of this saying is:
💡 "The doing makes the desire." After all, we often develop an appetite for something while we are doing it — not beforehand.
People tend to think they need to have motivation to take action. In reality, it's often the other way around.
Sure, you can do something because you are motivated to do so. But when someone is not motivated, taking action often helps them find their motivation.
This was certainly true for my most recent gym experience. Once I had (begrudgingly) gotten started, I began enjoying myself... and even ended up exercising for longer than I had planned. The same can be true at your work.
Let me show you how.
To put this into practice and find motivation at work, answer these 4 questions:
If, like Sam, you are finding yourself in a situation where you don't feel like working but can't take time off, try answering these questions:
1. Do you need rest?
Sometimes, when you don't feel like doing your work, it's because you actually need rest. Check in with yourself if that's the case for you. If you can't take as much rest as you would like, at least try to give yourself a few restful moments before starting.
For instance: "Yes, I'm really tired. I have to get this done by tonight, so I can't take a lot of time off. But I can take 5 minutes to relax, focus on my breath, and refill my cup of water before getting started."
2. Are you clear on what your work task entails?
Not wanting to do your work can also stem from not exactly knowing what the task entails. At the new gym, I wasn't sure what workout I wanted to do, which made it harder to feel motivated to get started. The same thing is true for work: unclarity creates friction. So, do what you can to clarify your work task.
For instance: "Now that you mention it, I realize I'm not clear what Bob actually wants me to do here. I wonder if we have some divergent ideas for how this presentation should go. I think it would be best to check in with him again, and clarify the intention for this presentation before getting started on it."
3. Do you have all the resources and information you need?
If you don't feel like working on something, it might also be because you are missing crucial resources or information. For instance, at the new gym, I first had to find the exercise mats. At work, a missing resource can sometimes be a bit more subtle: maybe you don't have access to a piece of software or to certain background information.
For instance: "I don't know how long my presentation is supposed to be. And I can't access the folder with some of the background information. When I talk to Bob, I'll also ask about that."
4. Can you just get started, even if only for 5 minutes?
Doing something for a long time can feel intimidating when we aren't in the mood. So, let's remember that appetite comes while eating. Just try working on your task for 5 minutes and see what happens.
For instance: "Hmm, okay, this is not as bad as I feared. Actually feels better than not doing it. And I'll feel good once I'm done."
Takeaway
The process I mentioned above worked really well for my gym workout. Since I felt in need of some rest, I gently eased into my time at the gym. Then, I decided on a workout, found the exercise mats, and finally, just got started. My appetite for working out came... once I was working out.
Similarly, my client Sam got to relax a bit on her call with me before we clarified the work task she had been struggling with. She then contacted people to get all the information and resources she needed, and, while we were together on our call, took a few moments to get started on her work. Turns out, her task was really manageable once she got started!
Warmly,
Louise
P.S.: Would you like support on your path?
Work is a huge part of people's life, and a great way to make a contribution and grow as a person. However, it's also often a huge source of pain and unhappiness.
If you are stuck in a toxic work situation, overwhelmed with work-related tasks, or simply craving a change, I'd love to help you find more meaning, ease, and enjoyment in your work! Find out how I can help you here.
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