Burnt out workers are not productive or happy. Having been a successful businessman since the 1990s, Misha Peleg has come across many strategies to regain motivation. When you feel overwhelmed by tasks, try Misha’s suggestions for how to motivate yourself and shift back into gear.
Get a Change of Scenery
Even when your eyes are on your screen, sitting in the same surroundings all day can be mind-numbing. Misha Peleg likes to say that one way zookeepers keep animals happy is by adding new things to their habitat— humans should be no different. Don’t just “find” motivation, create it for yourself. When you feel disengaged, spruce up your work area to help you feel energized.
If you work in an office, deck out your workspace with photos or art prints. Switch out your desk décor every few months to keep things fresh.
If you work from home, the decor-world is your oyster. Things like scented candles or plants might bother coworkers in person, but in your home, your desk accessories are up to you. Add a desk plant, gadget, or a favorite mug to bring your personality into your workspace. You can also try working in a different area or room to change your routine. You may find that a quieter space helps you focus.
Whether you work in an office or at home, a quick and easy way to feel mentally refreshed is to tidy your desk space. Cultivating an enjoyable working environment is a great way to motivate yourself. Just a few minutes of straightening up can make you feel more organized and ready for productivity.
Step Away
Staring at the same content for too long can make any worker feel mentally fatigued. Take a break so you can revisit your work later with fresh eyes. Rather than scrolling on your phone for a few minutes, Misha Peleg suggests standing up and stretching to get your blood flowing.
If you still have cabin fever, try taking a walk. Going outside can help your brain reset so you feel ready to face your tasks. Fresh air and sunlight are also great for mental and physical health. Misha Peleg also encourages others to create a healthy work-life balance so they can feel recharged and energized when it is time to get to work.
If you have more than one project to do, try rotating between them. You may find it easier to stay on task for short periods, switching focus to keep your attention. Work on one project for an hour (or less), and then switch tasks. Using a timer can help motivate you to be productive because you won’t lose track of time as easily.
Break Down Tasks
When you feel overwhelmed by the work in front of you, break it down into smaller tasks. Give yourself achievable goals rather than a whole project at once. To avoid overthinking a project, write down every step of your process. Step back from the big picture, and instead give yourself a smaller, achievable goal, and check it off your list. Getting small steps done is a great way to stay motivated throughout a long-term project.
Misha Peleg is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist. Having founded several highly successful companies since the early 1990s, he uses his business success to support a wide range of non-profit organizations throughout the world. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.