Article Summary:
Are you having trouble staying motivated? Here's how to get through it.
"The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." Richard Bach
This quote was shared with me by a fellow coach & colleague. I think it is such a great quote that I share it with you. Isn't it so true that the more we want to get something done, the less it feels like "work"? This quote led me to start pondering about the things I wanted to do in my work versus the things I felt I had to do. I wondered what caused me to *want* to do some things as opposed to others on my never ending to-do list?
After some reflection, I realized that the items that I wanted to do were usually connected to feeling useful and feeling that I was helping someone else. It was the sense of purpose behind what I was doing that motivated me. This was interesting to note. Sometimes it's easy to get disconnected from the 'why' of what we are doing and get stuck in the 'what' of what we are doing.
When is the last time you asked yourself 'why am I doing this?' And I don't mean when the answer of 'for a paycheck'! Yes, we all work for a paycheck (and the tax man!) but we also work for other reasons. We work to express our creativity in the world, we work to exercise our natural talents and skills, we work to grow and expand our understanding and abilities, and we work to help others and to contribute to our community.
So, why are you working? What got you into this field? What are the things on your to-do list that you do easily, quickly and without hesitation? When we can identify the *why* of why we are working by looking at the things that don't *feel* like work to us, it can help us alleviate the burden we sometimes feel from tasks that feel like drudgery.
The next time you find yourself procrastinating or dreading a task, take a moment to re-connect to the greater purpose of your work. What part of your job makes you feel alive, useful and like a contributor to the world?
Sometimes it can be hard to stay motivated to do any work. When you find yourself feeling de-motivated it's especially important to understand *why* you are choosing to do the work that you do. It's essential to make sure you are working for the right reasons. It's rarely just about the money!
Deirdre Dufour McEachern is a full time, career coach, writer and frequent speaker on work-life issues. Deirdre offers specialized career coaching for professionals considering a career change. Deirdre received her Masters degree in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and is also a graduate of Coach University. She believes strongly that you can find a career you enjoy, express your natural talents and have a life. Contact Deirdre for a free career-coaching consultation or sign up for her free e-newsletter Vip Coaching.
Read all advice by Deirdre McEachern; Find more Self Help experts
More advice on Self Help
» Life Change: Tips For Living The Life Of Your Dreams
» Bad Mood or Unhappy? How to Bust Out of a Bad Mood
» all Self Help articles