Lack of Motivation at Work

So, this happened last weekend. I work on Saturdays as well, and ordinarily, Saturdays are dull days. For obvious reasons. I found my self absolutely incapable of being productive. I was not sleepy, but I could not get work done. When I told my immediate boss about this, she laughed. Well, turns out she knows this situation too. So, what was it that I was experiencing? Yeah, it was lack of motivation at work. In my field, which is not mechanical or monotonous in anyway, lack of motivation can be a big hindrance. In a monotonous or a mechanical job, it can be an even bigger hindrance. You know of this to be true! So, what do we do about this darned situation about lack of motivation at work? We tackle it! How? I'll show you.

Why Does One Feel Lack of Motivation to Work?
Well, the first question to be answered to get to the root of the situation is why does someone feel the lack of motivation to do work? There could be many reasons for that. Some are personal and others are more professional and work oriented. Personal reasons can range between PMS for women, to no sleep and lots of action the previous night. From boredom, to being love struck. Often having a gorgeous date or other social commitments in the evening can lead to one losing motivation to work. In my case, a conversation the previous night had left me terribly curious. Hence, I could not find the employee motivation in me to get the job done. There are many more personal reasons that render a hard and smart worker motivation-less (I don't know if that is a word, but you get the point!)

Professional reasons are also dime a dozen. The job could be getting a little bit monotonous to handle. The job could be getting too stressful to take for a few that could lead to lack of motivation at work place. Office politics and lack of professionalism at work is one of the most popular reasons for lack of motivation at work. One could be less motivated due to a tiff with a superior or subordinate. Sometimes, personal reasons entwine into professional lives, causing the motivation to work to fly out of the window. One of my friends found it awfully difficult to be motivated to work when she found out that her new boss was a gorgeous Adonis who she had major hots for. Well, she was motivated to go to office, but she ended up staring at her boss instead. Turns out, the feelings were mutual. Lucky for her, he noticed it, fired her and then married her. Happy ending in my opinion!

While many may find this statement debatable, human beings can be demotivated very easily. The slightest change in routine, or the slightest taste of the mundane, and BAM! There goes the motivation out the window! So, what do we do about it? How do we deal with it?

How to Deal with Lack of Motivation at Work
First and foremost, if the reason why you are not motivated at work is because your work holds no interest for you. I say, start hunting for a job that interests you more, and shift. For whatever reason, it is important that you find happiness in what you do. Money is not the only factor that governs your professional life. Ambition and interest also exist. So follow your instincts and go for a job that truly interests you, that you love doing, that will pay you in cash and in kind and one that will keep you happy!

Now, if like me, you are doing what you want to do, and still facing sudden lack of motivation. Well, you are not alone my friend. I feel your plight. Been there done that. It is very simple to deal with lack of motivation at work in such a case. Buck up. Tell yourself that the work has to be done. You love your job, right? You would hate to lose it, right? Well, then show the bosses that you are meant to be doing this. Perform to the best of your ability. Even if you are stuck in a boring project, make it interesting to yourself. Let the meetings be filled with laughter, and take occasional walks into other departments, and say hi to the guys there! I am sure they will love it. Engage in self motivation. You will help motivate others, as well. One method that I have seen work amazingly, is competition. No kidding. One of my friends is an accountant, he used to find solace in calculating races. He said it gave him the adrenaline rush that made him intrinsically motivated to work well. Healthy competition in the workplace is encouraged for this very reason. Read more on how to motivate yourself.

Dealing with lack of motivation at work or anywhere else is a matter of "mind over matter". Yes, you will stay demotivated if you choose so. If you choose to go beyond the situation and make yourself enthusiastic about something (which is something adults should learn from kids), you can ensure that you will stay motivated and the lack of motivation at work will stay at bay! This is where I sign off! Peace Out!