The joy of work gets us out of bed in the morning and encourages us to push through the long hours.
But what happens when that joy starts to wear off?
When the excitement of our work fades it’s easy to become bogged down and lose energy; therefore it’s important to find ways to keep the fire burning so you don’t end up feeling like your work is a drag.
A study conducted by the University of Arizona found that the average person’s mood drops by 27% on Wednesdays…and by the end of the week, our energy and motivation levels are often so low we can barely get through the workday.
So how can we stay energized when the joy of work wears off? Here are a few tips.
1. Remind yourself who’s the boss
Hey, remember back when you were excited about the work you are doing? Sure, things change over time, but even if you’re feeling like you’re leaking energy now, the truth is, you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to deciding the right time to take back control of the wheel.
When that time does come, you get to decide whether you keep moving forward or pivot and change directions in order to rewrite the script that gets your fire burning again.
2. Reflect on how far you have come
Sometimes we get so caught up in staring at where we are right now that we fail to appreciate the journey. Taking the time to recall and reflect on past achievements plays a key role in lifting your mood, especially when you see how far you’ve already come.
Also, remind yourself of the things you’ve accomplished. You’ve done great things before; you can do them again! Even if you haven’t done something similar in the past, chances are you’ve taken on some tasks that had multiple steps to achieve a goal. Looking at those kinds of accomplishments is a reminder that you have done it before and so can do it again.
3. Find meaning in your work
The problem with feeling like you are on autopilot could be a result of being so hyper-focused on the grind of day-to-day tasks that you’ve forgotten why you’re there. Remember the objective…ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing and how it benefits others. This can help you feel more connected to your work and give you a sense of purpose.
So, if the joy of work wears off, there are still ways to stay energized. By taking back control, seeing how far you have come, and finding meaning in your work, it is possible to enjoy work once again.
So don’t give up hope – a more energized and fulfilling workday may be a few changes away.
Keep Shining,