The Manager's Minute

Overcoming Listlessness: A How-to Guide

Do you ever have those days when you just can’t seem to get motivated? When you have a ton of stuff on your plate, but you just can’t seem to find the energy or desire to tackle it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Listlessness, malaise, laziness, whatever you want to call it, everyone suffers from a less-than-ideal motivation from time to time.

But just because you don’t feel like doing it doesn’t mean your work doesn’t need to be done. And as a manager, it’s important for you to set a good example for your staff. Otherwise, if they see you slacking off, they’ll assume it’s OK for them to follow suit. Here is a simple how-to guide for overcoming the doldrums and staying productive, even when you don’t feel like it:

Consider benefits and consequences — This is a great way to find your motivation. Simply think about how you’ll benefit from being done with a project, or on the flip side, the negative consequences you’ll have to deal with if it’s not completed.
Break big tasks down — Sometimes it’s hard to get started when you’re staring a massive project in the face. To overcome this monster, break it down into more manageable chunks. When you’re facing a series of smaller tasks, it’s much easier to get motivated.
Remove the distractions — It’s easy to be lazy when you’re distracted. If you find yourself surfing the net instead of working, close your Web browser. If you can’t help but join in conversations with your coworkers, go somewhere where you won’t be disturbed. You’ll be astonished how much you can get done when you remove outside distractions.
Get started — Yes, believe it or not, the easiest way to overcome a case of the “don’t wanna works” is to simply force yourself to start working. Usually you’ll find a rhythm quickly and conquer your malaise before you know it.
Reward yourself — Set a goal and when you reach that goal, take time to reward yourself. Whether it’s a candy bar or simply a break to check your Facebook account, providing yourself with a reward for achieving a task can be a huge motivator.

SHARE:

We're sorry, but the comment box for this article has been closed. However, you may view the past discussion amongst your peers to see what they had to say ...

-- VIEW POSTED COMMENTS HERE --

Question of the Month:

What do you think is the most important trait for a manager? Why?
Please share now.

Dealing With Difficult People Tip:

When you’re dealing with difficult people, it’s important to understand that you will NOT change them. They will decide if and when they’ll come to terms with their problems. But if you stay centered and assertive, and respond to the underlying message, you’ll have much more success when dealing with difficult people.

– Strengthening Your People Skills in the Workplace seminar.

Quote:

“Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person you become.”

– Jim Rohn

The STAR12 All-Access
Training Pass

You get:

Unlimited Seminars
Unlimited Webinars
Unlimited Online Learning
And More!

Learn more now

HUGE BONUS! ... You’ll also get unlimited access to the all-new Stephen Covey Online Audio Collection available exclusively to STAR12 All-Access Pass Holders!

Your Responses:

These steps can not only be used on a business level for one's self, but also to help motivate others and even children. Acknowledging the fact that listlessness happens and moving along with a solution is 90% of the battle towards productivity.
Posted by: Linnea
09/07/11 at 12:20 PM

- — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — -

I find it helpful to write out a list of the things I need to do. I can then prioritize and take satisfaction in ticking off the completed items from the list. It's a great cure for being 'list-less"!
Posted by: Bill
09/07/11 at 10:17 AM

- — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — - — -