There is a saying that it’s awful not to know what you want, but it’s even worse not to know what you can. Passion is an essential part of a motivated career, but the flame can’t always be there. What can you do when the flames run out and you find yourself struggling to finish a workday? The motivational component you should be looking for is intrinsic motivation, which means you ought to find yourself an internal source of satisfaction in order to once again start loving what you do. It might be hard to go down this road, but as you do, here’s some advice to help you light up some new sparks. 

Do a bit of research with your colleagues

Chances are that your colleagues have the same professional interests as you, so they can be a valuable source of motivation to you. Arrange a meeting with some of them who have the most similar interests to yours and simply ask them: “What motivates you to go to work every day?” A 9-to-5 job can be frustrating on its own, but before you leave it at that, try to make something of this meeting by inspiring your colleague to carefully think this question through. Before you arrange any meeting, try finding the answer to this question yourself. If the answer is definitely “nothing”, then think of the past causes of your motivation.

Keep in mind to seek for intrinsic sources, such as happiness, interest in the topic or the development of the field, while leaving external sources such as money, fame or power aside. Research tells us that intrinsic sources are strong and long-lasting motivators, so make sure not to stop until you find them.

Equip yourself with the right software

Do you often find yourself struggling with time management? If this is the case, think about what might be causing this issue. We tend to focus on our own procrastination and blame ourselves for any loss of time we might experience on the job, causing us to feel like failures. However, this internal locus of control is not necessarily the only way to explain poor time management. Hardware and software problems can be more of an issue than we think because they can slow us down by simply taking too much time of our day to load tables or open windows. In order to stay focused and improve your work satisfaction, make sure you have up-to-date software to work with – it will make your life way easier. Business software such as efficient body corporate management software can help you organize your everyday work tasks in order to be most productive. Software is also important for developing teamwork, since it enables managing workforces and assigning tasks to employees.

Take any chance to speak your mind

Employees tend to be dissatisfied when no one asks for their opinion. Most employers try dealing with this issue by conducting surveys and interviews from time to time, but this is still quite far from something that employers can feel having a real impact on. However, there will be chances for you to speak your mind aside from these formal ones, and once you catch such a chance – don’t waste it. Some people might not want for you to tell them how to do their jobs, and you might even get into trouble, so make sure to use these opportunities wisely. Try leaning on assertive communication skills in order to send the message you want in the best possible way to avoid offending anyone. Slowly, you will see how the environment around you improves, and your motivation along with it.

Find what you love and let it lead you

Although Bukowski might not agree with this, finding what you love about your work definitely won’t kill you, but rather help you find your passion. Before you started doing what you do, there must’ve been a valuable source of motivation. Whatever that was, if you feel it isn’t working for your best interest any longer – don’t force it. There’s not only one thing you can love, but try opening your heart to some new aspects of your job you haven’t yet considered. Today’s job descriptions are often based on fluid careers, so it’s not that hard to change job positions and try yourself out on some other jobs. Sometimes a change is all we need, and in some cases, the change alone can spark up what seems to be a long lost flame.

If it seems absolutely impossible to find a single spark related to your work, try improving your motivational energy in some other areas of your life. Upgrade your physical activity, practice a new hobby or spend more time with friends and family. Motivational energy is a strong force that can easily overwhelm us and if we are filled with motivation in one field, it can easily be transferred to another. Focus on keeping that flame alive, and you will start seeing positive changes in your job environment, too. 

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids. She’s also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live."

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