scheduling

It is not always easy to wake up and go to work. It may be a bit easier if you work for yourself but there are still days when you just are not in the mood to do any work. If you do not make a conscious effort these days may occur so often that it hinders productivity and performance. This is why you may need some external motivators to remind you of your goals and the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Here are a few motivation techniques that help get you to work when you don’t feel like doing anything.

1. Focus on the big picture

A list of goals, a picture of the family you are trying to support or an inspirational quote from a role model can all help you focus on the big picture and where you want to be. This is especially important when times are hard or depression sets in. Knowing what you are sacrificing for helps put your sacrifices in perspective.

2. Make a schedule and stick to it

Planning ahead can be the difference between doing something or doing nothing. Deadlines allow you to recognize when time is running out and the urgency of a task needs to be escalated. A schedule can also allow you to work harder when in the mood or “in the zone” so that you do not have to work as hard when you are not. Schedules therefore help you to decide how scarce resources should be allocated.

3. Incorporate something fun into mundane tasks

Work that doesn’t seem like work is usually the first to get done. Find creative ways to incorporate the things you love into the task you don’t to make it more bearable. You might want to sketch an idea instead of using words to brainstorm since you enjoy drawing but not writing. This makes the task at hand more enjoyable and less likely to cause you to scowl at the thought of doing it.