How to Stay motivated at work

How to Stay motivated at work by Aaron Obeng Need a pick-me-up for your position?  Let’s face it, even the most motivated amongst us can be guilty of complacency in our jobs (see also: boredom). But if you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, there might be more you can do than simply ignore it and hope it goes away â€" or, worse, make a rash decision that could end up adversely affecting your career.To help you get your head back in the game, here are five tips on how to stay motivated at work:Look back at your successes Don’t have an ego yet? Now’s your chance… Maybe you hit more targets than any other consultant in your region after six months in the role, or perhaps you were pivotal in the development of a new system that generated additional revenue for the business. Note it down, feel proud and shout about it. (N.B not necessarily literally) If you don’t, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve actually come whether it’s with regards to your expanding skill set, conquering a personal dem on (e.g. public speaking), or how your role has made an impact to the wider business.   And don’t just limit it to professional successes. Don’t forget about the time you managed to earn enough money to buy something you really wanted, go on holiday, start a family, or even start saving up for your dream car. Ferrari on standby… Ask for more autonomyYou might not be demotivated â€" you might just be unfulfilled.So, instead of feeling like you’ve ‘mastered’ your role to perfection (also, probably not true), use this as an opportunity to ask for more responsibility from your managers.It doesn’t even necessarily need to be a promotion. It could just be a little more autonomy, or the chance to lead a new project or initiative. Not only will it allow you to feel more challenged and valued around the business, it’ll also give more variety to your day-to-day.And as long as you have the facts and strengths to back it up, there’s really nothing stopping you from applying for the next position in line, if it’s a step-up you’re looking for.Remember: if you don’t ask, you won’t get.Find a new crowdIt’s fairly natural that during your time at work, you might find yourself sticking to a particular social group. But instead of playing it safe, why not widen your scope and try establishing new social circles around the office? Internal forums are a good way of connecting with co-workers that share common interests (check that your internal comms platform is an acceptable medium to talk about extra-curricular activities within your company). Maybe your interests lie in poetry, or volunteering and charity work. Or maybe you just want a new post-work pub partner (#ThirstyThursdays). Perhaps you’re an introvert and growing your network goes against all you believe in. Well I can assure you that establishing newer relationships is only likely to make your time at work a little bit more enjoyable. Change up your routineAre you a serial schedule pl anner? Well maybe it’s time for a changeFor ease of comfort and familiarity, we often end up doing the same things over and over. The problem with this approach is, routines quickly end up becoming more like chores.Stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to a change in ideas, and overall outlook on your working situations. Typical examples such as taking a different route to work, or ‘hot-desking’ throughout the week, are all ways for us to get a different perspective and shift our thinking.After all, as Albert Einstein once said, insanity is ‘repeating the same things over and over and expecting different results’. And that guy knew what he was talking about, right?Actually take time offYou know what, sometimes we all just need a break (and/or a KitKat).For those of you who work extremely hard or for long hours, it may simply be that your ‘all work, no play’ attitude has tired you out so much that the constant cups of coffee no longer cut it.Annual leave, or ev en a  sabbatical, are good ways of recharging the batteries and keeping a clear head for a few weeks to prevent demotivation.But even if that isn’t an option at your company, just getting away from your desk for a few minutes every couple of hours could make all the difference. Whether it’s having meetings outside (weather permitting), or just getting up and going for a quick walk around the workplace.So, no more staying too late. And no more working through lunch. It’s time to step away from the desk…What is a sabbatical?Honourable mentions: Reward yourself for doing a good job, break big tasks up, write a to-do list, just actually try being a little more positive (no, seriously).Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now