With everything going on in our lives and in the world, sometimes it’s hard to stay positive or motivated at work. It becomes even harder since many persons are in jobs they don’t like, they don’t feel appreciated and yes everybody wants more money. So what do you do when you wake up Monday morning and dread going to work? Here’s the thing, we cannot control what happens daily but we can control how we handle life’s ups and downs. That means, staying positive and motivated cannot be dependent on external “things”, instead you have to create an environment for yourself.
I want to share 7 ways to stay motivated in the workplace:
- Start your day with prayer and thanksgiving:
Too often we focus on all the things that are going wrong in our lives, not realizing that the fact that we wake up daily in our sound minds, have a job to go to and have basic needs being supplied is a major blessing. This is what prayer and thanksgiving does – it shifts our focus off ourselves and on the Creator who continues to bless us and keep us daily. And prayer doesn’t have to be on your knees and a two (2) hour devotional (I mean if you can of course you should); but even a 5 minutes with God makes a big difference.
- Smile and Say positive things:
Now what is there is smile about if you don’t like your job? Well, for one—at the end of each month (or week), you can expect to be compensated for your labour. Of course, there is the constant debate of getting paid what you are worth but right now, that’s not what this article is about. Daily, you have to recognize that you frowning and complaining don’t change things but if you change your attitude probably your altitude would change. Sometimes, we can’t smile about where we are at currently but if you going towards your dreams and goals, you should be smiling about where you are going. And while you are smiling, make positive declarations over your life. Words have power!
- Stop worry about other people
One of my manta in life is “don’t worry about things I can’t control”. I know many persons take on worry as a job. Yes, it seem they are fully employed to “worry” because they can’t seem to stop. Listen, I can tell you worry doesn’t pay bills. The fact is, you cannot control if you supervisor doesn’t “like” you or whatever else people worry about in the workplace. I always tell persons that when someone doesn’t like me at work, its not “me” they don’t like, it’s the position. So whoever was in that position they would treat them the same way. Plus, many persons don’t like themselves so how can they like you? You just ensure you don’t treat them the way they treat you, instead daily try to be the wiser person and show them respect nevertheless.
- Build relationships with your colleagues
Now, I am not saying you must find a bestfriend at work (that is your choice). The fact is, you spend over 8 hours at work around your coworkers and believe me, you don’t want to spend 8 hours being angry or sad (life is too precious). So, there must be a few people you can socialize with, whether during the lunch time or even during office hours (when permitted) to laugh with or talk with, even if its about the weather.
- Decorate your desk:
If your organization permits this, spruce up your desk and make it comfortable. Probably put some motivational quotes, bible verses, picture of your family on your computer screen, put a flower or whatever else you believe keeps you motivated and positive. Adding your own touch will lighten your mood.
- Commit to doing your best:
Daily, you must challenge yourself to produce the best results at work for yourself. Too often we work to be seen or get appraisal in our job so when no one noticed the “good” we do then we get discourage and unmotivated. Doing your best should not be for someone else, you should be the best you for you! And you can reward yourself for doing your best. We have to come to the point where our life is about everybody else. Other people affirmations should be bonus to what you are already doing for yourself.
- Invest in yourself:
Be a continual learner. You must always be investing in strengthen your strengths and learning how to improve on your weaknesses. Gone were the days when a Bachelors Degree was the “hit”, now even having your Masters Degree still means you have lots of competition in the job force. So, what are you doing to improve your skill sets? How are you differentiating yourself? With technology, you don’t even need money to learn, so many online courses are being offered. And while you are learning, teach someone else what you know. You will feel great helping someone else.
These are seven ways I believe will help you to be motivated and positive in your workplace. I encourage you to start practicing these tips one by one, and watch how things will shift in your career and even your life. I want to add a bonus tip, “Live A Life Bigger Than You”. What do I mean? When you focus on yourself, you tend to get discouraged. Serve others, volunteer, join a club or network, get active in church or in your organization .. But the more we give, the more fulfilling life becomes. You are in that workplace for reason, whether you believe it or not. Accept that assignment, learn the lessons and always do your best.
You can also purchase my E-Book on sale “5 Ways To Become God-Motivated” for US$1! Click here