Okay, let’s just kick this off by saying that technology right now sucks. I know that systems and companies aren’t used to this many people working remotely, but technology has consumed more of my time this week than my actual job has.
Personally speaking, I guess it’s a good thing that I am as motivated as I am because it has been one heck of a challenge.
Still, during these times, I am grateful to have a job and the opportunity to work in a safe environment. And as miniscule of an issue as it may be right now in a world that is consumed by fear, I just wish technology would be on my side.
But, when there’s a will, there’s a way.
When something doesn’t go right, that doesn’t mean that we completely stop. We need to change and adapt to the times that we are facing no matter what the circumstances are.
The outside world is experiencing a drastic change right now, and it’s forcing us all to adapt to a new normal. We have had to put our social life on hold in order to wait out the storm that is causing so much pandemonium in the world. Similar to the outside world, many of us are also being forced to adapt to a new normal on the inside as well.
Adapting To A New Normal
It’s easier now to get distracted more than ever before. You may have your kids running around the house begging for any ounce of attention. You may find it more challenging to roll out of bed at a decent time knowing that you don’t really have to go anywhere. Worst of all, Netflix is only a few buttons away from consuming your entire day.
With all of these new distractions around you, you might be having a difficult time staying motivated. I think everybody is experiencing this to some extent.
There are going to be days where our motivation is going to be short-lived, but the good news is that there are also things that we can all do differently that will help us with staying motivated while stuck at home for longer amounts of time.
How I Stay Motivated While Stuck At Home
I want to share with you 3 strategies for how I stay motivated while stuck at home, and strategies that I think will help you as well.
Have A Clean and Organized Environment
The environment you are in plays such a crucial role in how productive and motivated you are able to remain.
I have found that when I have a messy space around me, it becomes a challenge for me to be able to get into a groove. My mind seems to be clouded and I have noticed that I get distracted a lot easier.
But when I am in a clean and organized environment, I feel as though I have an easier time focusing on the tasks that I need to get done, and often times get more accomplished than necessary. Everything on my desk has a specific spot where it goes so that if I need it, I know exactly where to find it. It honestly makes me feel more efficient, which in turn helps me to stay motivated.
While it’s not necessary, do yourself a favor and clean the environment that you are working in and organize it as best as you can. Being efficient while you do work is going to help you in staying motivated while stuck at home, and nothing will help your efficiency more than being in a clean and organized environment.
Master Your Mindset
When I find myself lacking motivation, it’s generally because I have forgotten my “WHY” or what my meaning and purpose is.
Everything that I do in life has a purpose. It doesn’t matter what it is, whether it’s work, our relationships, our social life, etc. everything that we do in life has a purpose or a meaning behind it. If it didn’t then we simply wouldn’t do it.
Admittingly, I sometimes lose sight of my purpose and of that sense of meaning. I find myself simply going through the motions instead of acting with intentions. It is then that I find my motivation suffering because when we don’t act with purpose and meaning, we lose a sense of direction for why we are doing something in the first place.
This is why it’s so beneficial that we not only write down our goals, but that we also keep track of our progress. When we track our goals and the progress we make towards these goals, it gives us a sense of direction while reminding us of the things we find to be important.
Every action that we take first starts with a thought. If we do not have the right mindset, our actions are going to reflect as such and our motivation will suffer. But if we focus on what’s important and the reasoning behind our actions, we will have a much easier time staying motivated to continue pursuing our goals.
Give Yourself Some Slack and Frequent Breaks
It also isn’t going to do you any good to beat yourself up when you’re not feeling motivated. There are times where I have to remind myself that it’s okay to cut myself some slack and to take breaks when I am not feeling motivated. I will either grab a book and read a few pages or just get up and move around a little bit.
You would be surprised how much it helps to simply get up and take your mind off of work for just five minutes. When you sit back down at your desk, you may feel like a whole new person.
The point is, loosen up and have fun. The more we try to force ourselves through something, the more frustrated we are going to become. It’s too easy to get sucked into the web of negativity and to allow negative thoughts to consume our minds. Remember, though, this is the one life that we have. Make it fun, make it purposeful, and enjoy the ride. The more you do, the more motivated you will be to conquer any task that life throws your way.
Final Thoughts
A word from the wise: control what you can control.
Right now is an adjusting period for us all. During this adjusting period, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this and that you are not the only one who is struggling to adapt to a new normal. We all have our own struggles.
As I write this, it has been incredibly difficult to stay on task and to stay motivated. But that doesn’t mean that I am going to give up completely.
The best thing that we can do when we are lacking motivation is to just continue on in bits and pieces and to keep moving forward as best as we possibly can. Nobody is perfect, but those who never give up will eventually find their way.
Michael Bonnell
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