I have worked on hybrid teams or fully remote for almost 25 years. In that time, I’ve written multiple books, taught classes, and helped start and run a company. Clearly, I can get stuff done. But what about those days when you lack motivation? What happens when you just can’t seem to get over the hump on a project? In short, how do you keep yourself working and productive when you’re just not feeling it?
We are talking about days or a couple of days in a row when you lack motivation. If you find yourself feeling like this all the time, stronger actions may be required. But when it’s just one of those days, consider these ideas:
Look for some quick wins
Especially when we’re in the middle of a time-consuming project, we become unmotivated. It feels like no matter how hard we work we don’t make progress. Our brain says, “Why bother?” An effective way to break out of that is to look at your to-do list and find things (no matter how inconsequential) that you can easily complete. Get them checked off your list quickly and efficiently. Your brain rewards you for finishing several tasks and you build up momentum. When you feel better, you will be ready to tackle that larger task.
Take a break from work
This feels counterproductive. “If you’re not getting work done, quit trying to get work done,” feels like odd advice. When we are stuck in an unmotivated cycle, our frustration makes things worse. Our self-talk becomes more negative. We know we should do something. But if we can’t do it or don’t do it well, it confirms our feelings of helplessness or anger.
So step away from your desk. Physically walk away. Just playing solitaire on the same computer in the same seat won’t help. Go for a walk. Finish one or two of those household chores that are waiting for you. Take the dog for a walk. Allow your brain to reset and do something that doesn’t require much attention or focus. This can allow your mind to daydream or chug away in the background. When you go back to work, you may find your internal resources have replenished.
Break the elephant into edible chunks
As the saying goes, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. The task you’re working on may be big and important. But that pressure starts a lot of negative self-talk and suddenly you’re frozen in your tracks. Instead of saying “I’ll finish this by the end of the day,” try taking smaller bites of the elephant. “I might not get it all done today, but I can do that part by 11:00.” So stack up the accomplishments in manageable pieces.
Talk to your teammates
Working remotely can be great, but it can also be isolating. You’re left alone with the voices in your head, which may or may not be a good thing. Talk – actually talk – to your favorite teammate or two. Ask how things are going for them? Are they stuck on the same thing you are? How can you help? What can they do to help you? Webcams are great for this. You can see another face and talk in real time. The phone works too. Texting and chat aren’t nearly rewarding enough to your brain’s social requirements.
Do what you can and recognize “today is not that day.”
As the song says, “Some days you’re the windshield, some days you’re the bug.” We all have days where things don’t come together. Don’t beat yourself up. If you can, choose other tasks to work on. If there is something in your personal life causing the distraction, put your efforts into addressing that. It will clear your mind for the next day. Knock off early (assuming you don’t have time-sensitive commitments or people aren’t relying on you to get their work done.) Do what you can, get a good night’s sleep, and come back tomorrow ready to go at it. Forgive yourself. Treat yourself as you want a good manager to treat you – with understanding and grace.
Remember, we are talking about the odd time when you just can’t get out of the mud. This assumes it is an occasional problem. If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, disengaged, or unproductive for longer stretches of time, it’s time for a chat with your manager (and your conscience).
