The Monday blues are real, and it’s hard to get motivated when coming off a weekend. We thought up five quick tips for you to focus on to help jump start that next great idea.
Create a mini schedule
We all have weekly schedules of meetings and deadlines, but an even smaller schedule can help, especially when you need to do something you’re dreading. Commit to working on that project for one hour and do nothing else aside from that. The next hour, work on something else, return to it or work on another project and so on. This can make the day go faster and make you productive—a win-win situation.
Let your mind wander
Take a quick break at your desk if you find yourself seriously unable to focus. Turn away from your computer and think about why you’re doing this project and what its purpose is. Try to find some reason as to why you want to do it—even if you don’t. If nothing else, you can work toward that sense of accomplishment of finishing something you really didn’t want to. You will return to work with a renewed commitment to the task at hand.
Take a walk
Sitting at a desk all day can make one incredibly sleepy and unenthused. Get up and walk outside for a bit—even just 15 minutes will wake you up and give you a renewed sense of energy. Plus, it has the added bonus of getting a tiny bit of exercise in an otherwise sedentary day.
Peer pressure
Tell a friend or co-worker you absolutely have to finish something, and tell them to check up on you. You’ll have someone be accountable for you, so you’re more likely to get things done. Remember, no lying allowed.
Think positive
This can be almost impossible when sitting at your desk on a Monday dreading the week ahead. But, try to turn your work into a game. Monitor your progress and celebrate as you finish even the smallest of tasks. Finish that spreadsheet? Check the news or some other site for a few minutes. Done with that pestering report? Snag yourself some chocolate. (Ok, maybe we’re just trying to find any excuse to eat chocolate…)
What do you do to stay motivated? We’re always looking for tips!
