With each workplace experience, there are new stressors, routines that can feel too structured, and a lot of uncertainty throughout the day that can make it difficult to stay motivated in your professional life.
Studies show that when you lack motivation, you are more likely to have a reduction in productivity paired with increased feelings of apathy and unhappiness. Workplace burnout is a real thing and it’s important to be able to detect burnout and quickly recharge to stay motivated.
Symboliq’s Co-Founder, Randy Blakeslee, explains what keeps him staying motivated and avoiding burnout, “First and foremost, I wake up knowing it’s a new day, filled with new opportunities. I clear my mind of negative thoughts or present feelings and work on controlling my attitude with positive affirmations.” Blakeslee explains. “I also try to journal every morning so I can go back and see how I started other days/weeks and what worked for me.”
A Closer Look at Workplace Motivation
Motivation can be described as a desirable feeling that people experience when they want to do something. In Western society, we place motivational forces on setting actionable goals in the workplace and achieving them. Motivation is this driving force that represents human behaviors. Motivation can be influenced by internal and external factors (or, intrinsic and extrinsic motivators).
Intrinsic motivation is the desire to do something for internal rewards – feelings of accomplishment, personal gratification, etc. Extrinsic motivation is the opposite of intrinsic, it is the desire to do something for external rewards – a raise, doing something to avoid judgment, etc.
Blakeslee speaks on how staying motivated in his professional life moved him to co-found a business just 10 short years ago. “I love working with people and helping when I can. It’s not about the money at the end of the day, it’s about partnerships and relationships and setting proper goals to achieve for the entire team. I like to feel like we make a difference in someone’s life and/or business.” Blakeslee explained.
Why Does Learning More About Motivation Matter?
Everything you do is due to your motivational driving force. Whether it be to make someone else happy, to achieve a goal, or to satisfy a basic need. When we lack motivation, life can seem daunting and repetitive. It happens to all of us at some point in our professional lives. When you’re feeling unmotivated in the workplace, stop for a minute to reflect. Remember why you started, what your goals are, and most importantly, TAKE A BREAK when you need to.
