8 Tips to reignite your spark and motivation in work and life

 So many of us struggle with motivation, but you’re not alone.  Some days, it may be easier to wake up feeling energized to tackle the day.

 Other days, it may be challenging to find the motivation to get out of bed. 

There are many contributing factors to a lack of motivation, including a busy schedule, no work-life balance, life changes, changes with your job or just no motivation.

 However, by implementing certain strategies, you can overcome these challenges and reignite your SPARK.

 Check out some tips below to help you rediscover your passion and reach your full potential.

 Tips to increase your motivation  

 Remember Your Why

Be clear about what you're working for and remind yourself of your “why,” the bigger picture, and the vision you have for your life to gain the motivation to stay on course.

Think about the purpose behind what you're doing:  

 ·        Why are you going after something? 

·        How do you want to feel once you accomplish your goal?

·        Why are you in your current position, and what are you hoping to accomplish? 

 Set clear goals

Goal setting and motivation go hand in hand.  Establishing clear goals can help you have clear focus on what you want to accomplish and inspire you to take action.

Goal and Expectancy theory describes motivation as the product of how much you personally value your goal and how much your believe you can realistically achieve your goals.

To direct your attention, focus, and efforts toward a goal so you can:

·        Manage your time effectively to accomplish them

·        Regularly review them to see if they need to be modified or adjusted.

·        Be encouraged and more likely to stay persistent toward achieving  them.

·        Know the goals you’re trying to accomplish so you can prioritize them.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people

Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can impact your motivation. They can provide encouragement, offer helpful advice, and serve as a source of inspiration when you need it the most.

 Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your goals and aspirations can also help you stay accountable and focused on achieving success.

 Look at the people you spend most of your time with.  Are they lifting you up or bringing you down? And, if you're currently in a toxic work environment or have a toxic boss, it might be time to decide if looking for a new job is the next step.

 Take on new challenges

Sometimes, motivation can decrease due to boredom or a lack of inspiration. Perhaps you’ve been in your current position for a long time and are no longer excited about it, or it not being challenged enough.

 Step out of your comfort zone and focus on something new. That can help bring about new ideas, fresh perspectives, or get out of a rut.

 Challenge yourself by:

·        Learning something new

·        Ask to be part of a new project 

·        Pursue career development opportunities

·        Take on new challenges

·        Think of ways to improve day-to-day tasks

·        Get a new certification

·        Take a course

·        Continue to learn (read, listen to audible books and podcasts)

 Prioritize your tasks

It can be overwhelming and discouraging to have too much on your plate or not know where to start. To combat this, start by getting clear on all your projects or tasks you want/need to get done and write them out. This can be for the month, week, day, etc.

Then prioritize the tasks that have the closest deadlines.  These are the tasks you should tackle first.  If you focus on what’s important and tackle one task at a time, staying motivated is much easier.  

Celebrate wins along the way

Working on your goals takes time, so one way to stay motivated is to reward yourself along the way. Celebrate small and big wins and the steps you’re taking. 

Whether it’s big or small, if you complete a goal, it’s an achievement and you’re one step closer to your goals!

Be sure to treat yourself, give yourself a moment to see your progress, go out to your favorite meals, and celebrate with friends.  After I’ve completed a task, I’ve been working on for a few hours, I’ll take a break to get away from it and enjoy some time outside. For bigger projects I might celebrate the win with friends/family.

Make time for self-care

Look at your habits to ensure you have work-life balance and are taking care of your well-being.  

If you’re feeling uninspired, consider burnout could be causing your lack of motivation. Burnout can affect your mood, motivation, and confidence.

Just like on an airplane, it’s recommended you put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others, and the same approach can be taken in your daily life.

Here are some self-care habits that you can develop:

·        Have a regular morning routine

·        Take breaks

·        Get enough exercise/movement

·        Eating healthy

·        Meditate

·        Prioritizing your activities and tasks for the day

·        Practicing gratitude

Have Fun

Life can get overwhelming at times, but one solution is to prioritize having fun. Don’t forget to get out and keep living!

Engage in activities you enjoy; this will bring joy back into your life, making each day fresh to ignite your passion again. This could mean spending time with loved ones or taking a stroll along your favorite scenic route. 

Final Thoughts

By implementing these tips, you can overcome any obstacles and find the motivation you need to achieve your goals.  No great progress is without process, so keep putting in the effort. Take it one day at a time and go easy on yourself.

Remember to remain positive, visualize your success and believe it will work out. If you’ve attempted most of these, and still aren't feeling motivated at work or in life, it may be time for a change or to look for a new job. 

Keep striving for success and never give up on your dreams!

 You Got this!

-Melody Joy