How do you motivate yourself when you don't feel like doing work?
Richard Gao
38 replies
We all have those times. For me, it's just setting achievable goals so that even with days where I have the lowest motivation, I'm still able to complete them
How about you?
Replies
Michael Cho@michael_cho1
Joybird AI
I actually have this as a sticky note next to my monitor:
## What to do when stuck
1. **Change your activity** - Do something else, run, shower, etc
2. **Change your position** - sit somewhere else, stand.
3. **Change your focus** - Work on a different project
4. **Review others** - news, twitter, etc
5. **Grab most urgent task and just start!** Smash it - an imperfect plan today.
6. (Long term) **Change your environment**
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DotConfig
Often starting the task is all I need to build momentum. I usually keep going when I force myself to do the task for at least 5 minutes. The trick is to warm up our brains by doing a little. If I still don't want to do it, I do something else — another easy task, take a break, or do a little exercise.
I've a notes app where I've written down the reasons why I chose this path and the acknowledgment that there are great struggles along the journey. So reading that helps me to keep moving forward :)
@richard_gao2 imho, what you're doing with evoke is pretty cool and can be super helpful for AI startups, and remember you've got a supportive community of early founders who get the struggle!🫡 🤗
Find your "why": Remind yourself of why you need to complete the task. What is the end goal? How will it benefit you or others? Focusing on the purpose behind the task can make it feel more meaningful.
Upscale: The Sales Engagement Platform
Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller ones makes it easier to finish them and take mindful breaks. It further motivates me to do more since I've got the momentum.
dotBRAND
@richa_sharma07 Agreed, Richa!
1. Mindful breaks are SO IMPORTANT!
2. Breaking down bigger tasks into smaller & achievable ones works to me too!
Just clicked "NOTIFY ME"
Taking a break to refresh the mind!
Upscale: The Sales Engagement Platform
Webthat - List Your Project
If it is something that can be outsourced and its not that important but takes time I'd definitely just tell my assistant do it instead of me while I take a nap. And, If its something that I need to be present to I'd just drink a coffee and before that event call my family and see how are they.
Schovis
Take a walk outside, try not to use my phone while at it. This gives me a boost and it works every time 😄
Break the top priority task into smaller tasks, if this still does not work then break it even further as little as starting the tools you use, and build discipline to do the simplest thing that will move you towards your goal. if you think about the tasks or seek for motivation for starting then brain will trick you into procrastination. You need rest too and for good execution you need to have a rest plan too.
dotBRAND
@dot_brand I have used Pomodoro a lot but 20 mins does not work very well for me, I have higher focus span, but can repeat less. When you plan set of activities and achieve one bigger size goal, plan at the end of it for recovery such as take day or two off and what to do on that off day then you can do lots of small rests as walking, gym coffee breaks between small tasks. I also notice changing a complete new activity also rest the brain as well. For example if you are writing a lot of backend code then switch to ui code or database related stuff, or reading some article, brain finds itself refreshing. What we think as tiredness could be tired of being on the same stuff.
dotBRAND
When I don't feel like doing work, I try to motivate myself by reminding myself of the benefits that come with completing the task. I break down the task into smaller, manageable steps and set achievable goals for each step. Then, I reward myself after completing each goal. I also try to eliminate distractions and create a conducive environment for working. Sometimes, listening to music or taking a short break can also help me to refocus and recharge my motivation. Ultimately, it's about finding what works best for you and staying disciplined in your approach.
By communicating with friends !
my go-to motivation technique is to break down my tasks into smaller, manageable ones and remind myself of the impact my work will have on my users.
1.Try to think of the consequences of not taking the action and what will be the future outcome if you do not take action today.
2. try to visualize positive images of the task done.
3. Use time blocking (i use this for house errands). spend one hour on the task and no more then that, and in that 1 hour whatever you finished in the task be happy with it, 1 hour of unfinished time blocking is better than not doing anything.
Clustr
When I'm lacking motivation, I bribe myself with small rewards for getting work done. You know, the classic "one more task and you can have a cookie" approach😀😀😀
If I really need a break, I allow myself to rest. If work really needs to get done, I split up tasks into smaller chunks and try to do what's most important and urgent.
As a blockchain specialist, I continually remind myself that every minute I slack off is a minute I might be contributing to the decentralized revolution!
But, let's be honest, we all have those days when we just can't seem to get inspired. In those situations, I try to take a step back and remind myself of my long-term goals.
- "What am I attempting to achieve?"
- "How will this initiative impact the blockchain ecosystem and people's lives?"
âš¡ Of course, a good cup of coffee never hurts. So, if you're feeling unmotivated, take a deep breath, refocus on your goals, and perhaps brew yourself a fresh pot of motivation juice.
It's hard to stay motivated when you're working for hours without taking a break. Schedule regular breaks to give yourself time to recharge and refresh your mind.
This is a tough one, but here are a few things that work for me. First, I try to break down my work into smaller, more manageable tasks so I don't feel overwhelmed. Then, I'll set a timer for a short amount of time, say 25 minutes, and focus on just one of those tasks until the timer goes off. Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part! I'll also try to find some inspiring quotes or videos to give me a quick motivational boost. And if all else fails, a cup of coffee usually does the trick.