Getting thing done when you lack motivation really depends on your mindset. How you feel about what you are doing makes all the difference.
You can tell yourself you hate what you are doing and have a miserable time of it. Or you can think about all of the benefits of what you are doing.
Either way, the things need to get done. You might as well enjoy it.
I have three questions you can ask yourself the next time you lack motivation.
How can I make this easier?
How can I make this fun?
What’s great about this?
Let’s take a look at each of these options.
How can I make this easier?
There is an expression, Don’t Work Harder, Work Smarter. Break down your project into smaller tasks. Write it out if you have to. Be sure you are doing the steps in a logical order.
Sometimes we are in such a rush to get things done that we skip over the easiest way to do things. Don’t overcomplicate it. You’re a smart person, you can figure out the easiest, least painful way to get that thing done.
How can I make this fun?
Be creative. Add fun elements to whatever you are doing.
For example, I don’t like to clean. In fact, I can say in all honestly that I hate to clean. But I love a clean, uncluttered home. To make cleaning more fun, I put on some music and dance around the house while I vacuum, dust, and wipe down the glass surfaces.
Sometimes I set a timer and see if I can beat my record for how fast I can accomplish something. If I can get someone to help me, I can make it even more fun. We can race to see who finishes first.
If you’re at work and you’re trying to figure out a solution to a problem. Form teams and make it a friendly contest. Maybe there is a reward at the end.
There is always a way to make something fun. Bring out your inner party girl and get to it.
What’s great about this?
Think of all the good things that will come out of your hard work. Maybe you don’t feel like writing that blog post or filming that video. But think about what those things will do for your business.
You think you don’t have time to call that friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in awhile. Think about the joy you will bring to their day. Think about how good you will feel too, having someone to tell all your stuff.
I love autumn, but I sure don’t like to rake up the leaves. But it’s got to get done. When you are doing your leaves, help out an older neighbor by raking their leaves too. Make the task into something good you are doing for someone else. You get to benefit from the task as well.
You probably don’t feel like cleaning the bathroom, but think about how good you will feel when it’s smelling fresh and sparkling clean. You no longer have to be embarrassed to have guests use your bathroom.
Look at the good that will come out of any situation. Let it motivate you to get the job done.
What tools do you use to get things done when you lack motivation? Let me know in the comments section. You may not feel like leaving a comment, but think of how good I’ll feel when I read it.
I try to switch it around and tell myself, “I GET to do this”. And then I think back to when I was recovering from heart surgery and would have given anything to be able to get up and clean the house or go to work. I just try to remember to be grateful that I CAN do the things I don’t want to.
Wow, what an incredible story. Yes, you can do the things.
I really have to break things up in to smaller chunks now as I deal with my health issues. I refuse to get in a huffy with myself if I can’t get everything down in one day too. Some days are better than others.
There’s no rush. Work on your own schedule.