Giorgio is the founder of Genius Institute, a teacher, author and passionate coach helping leaders find meaning and fulfillment in life.
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Have you been feeling unproductive and stuck in a rut at work lately? Well, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel stuck at work from time to time. It’s to be expected, but it makes a difference when you know how to deal with it.
There are many ways that you can stay motivated even when you feel stuck at work. These tips can help increase your productivity and motivation to get yourself unstuck and back on track.
1. Focus on small, meaningful wins.
When you feel stuck, setting small goals for yourself can be helpful. This way, you can break down what you need to do into manageable tasks. Setting small goals increases the likelihood of you getting the work done, which will help you feel accomplished. You can then take that momentum from one goal into completing the next one.
Acknowledge the progress, no matter how small your wins are. You might have to redefine your wins, but whatever they are, commit to them and honor them. Give yourself one meaningful daily task, something you can find fulfillment in at the day’s end.
Additionally, ensuring that your wins are visible to yourself is wise. Write them down, put a star by them or do whatever you need to see your progress.
2. Set deadlines and timelines for yourself.
It’s a familiar scene: You’re sitting at your desk, staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper, and you can’t seem to get started on your task. You may feel stuck, and the harder you try to push yourself, the more stuck you feel.
Setting deadlines and having a timeline for completing a task can help to focus your mind on the objective and give you a sense of urgency. It can also motivate you to take action and get the job done. Of course, setting deadlines isn’t always easy, and it may not work for every situation, but if you’re struggling to stay motivated at work, it may be worth giving it a try. Experiment with it and find the kinds of deadlines that work for you.
3. Gamify it and make it fun.
A fun way to stay motivated is to make a game out of it. For every task you complete, give yourself a point. This will help keep you focused on the project's goals and remind you why your work is essential.
Additionally, you can use this game to incentivize yourself to complete tasks. For example, you could give yourself a certain number of points for every task you complete on time. Or you could give yourself bonus points for particularly challenging tasks. Like when you were a kid, trying to get the highest score possible. I think you'll find that the act of doing the work itself will become more fun and fulfilling.
4. Take a breather and come back with fresh eyes.
When you’re stuck at work, it can be tempting to power through the feeling. However, this is often not the best approach. If you’re feeling stuck, it may signify that it’s time for a break.
Taking a break can help you rejuvenate and give you the energy you need to progress through your work. Sometimes, you just need a few minutes to clear your head or you may prefer to take a more extended break, like going for a 30-minute walk. Whatever it is, step away from your work, and allow yourself to take some time to relax.
5. Connect with your co-workers and build a supportive network.
If you’re feeling stuck at work, it may be helpful to connect with your co-workers. Building a supportive network can help you feel connected to others and motivated to continue working. Additionally, your co-workers can provide you with valuable feedback and support.
If you’re unsure how to connect with your co-workers, try attending company events or joining a professional organization. You could also start a conversation by asking about their work or hobbies. Once you’ve connected with your co-workers, make an effort to keep in touch and meet up regularly. You could also offer to go and grab a coffee together to have a short personal interaction with them that doesn’t have a significant time commitment.
6. Go back to your 'why.'
Remember why you're working in the first place. This isn't just a paycheck, this is (or at least I hope it is) something that's fulfilling a valuable need in your life, whether that's providing for your family, following your inspiration or making a difference in the world around you. It can be easy to forget our purpose when we're stuck in the day-to-day grind. But if we can take a step back and remember our "why," it can give us the motivation to keep going.
Feeling stuck, unmotivated and uninspired at work is a normal human response. But it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. You can do things to get yourself out of a rut and get moving again. Remember, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t achieve perfection. Take it one step at a time and, eventually, you’ll get there. One step is still progress.
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