If you lack motivation, you might feel bored, unfocused, or tired. Half the day might float by before you realize you haven’t accomplished much—followed by guilt or even panic as you fall behind but can’t figure out how to catch up. Break the chain by keeping motivation high.

Try these five steps:

• Break down jobs. If possible, divide big tasks that can appear overwhelming into small chunks that you can accomplish in an hour or less, giving your sense of accomplishment a lift.
• See the big picture. Think about how your work impacts coworkers and clients. Making a difference is a great motivator.
• Set goals you can reach. Make them achievable and realistic.
• Mix it up. If possible, vary your tasks or try a new approach to routine work.
• Reward yourself for crossing tasks off your to-do list. Treat yourself to a social outing, a session on social media, or put a dollar in a special account. Sometimes the best reward is the satisfaction you get from a job completed. What can you check off your list today?

Source: Personal Best, a registered trademark of Ebix. (September 2018) TP Top Performance