I’m not going to lie, I’ve had a few days where I would much prefer to have stayed curled up in bed than battle through traffic to drag myself into work. Everyone has days like that, especially when your work tends to include the same routine day-in, day-out. Routine isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but if you want to fight the monotony, you’ve got to get a little bit creative and keep a few points in mind.
I’m lucky enough to work for a creative, laid-back company that doesn’t mind a hijink or two, but there are plenty of other ways to liven up your work day and get you focused again.
1. Talk to your colleagues.
I’m not talking about a counter-productive gossip at the water-cooler here; I’m talking bouncing ideas off one another, discussing your projects, asking for advice and opinions. Often it takes one inspiring comment to get you motivated again and usually it’s something you’ve never thought of before. Morning meetings are also great places to get motivated and get you ready for the work day ahead, not to mention informal meetings over lunch! Not everyone can work non-stop within a corporate environment, so if you need to get out from time-to-time or change your work space for a while, do it!
2. Take breaks.
Everyone needs time to sit back and relax, even if it’s just so you can make a quick cuppa or grab a bite to eat. When tasks are particularly challenging and you’re quickly losing the will to carry on, taking a step back and re-evaluating can be a great help. It’s also a great idea to go for a walk, preferably out in the fresh air if the weather is playing ball. When you return to your task, you’ll probably feel a bit brighter-eyed, refreshed and ready to work!
3. Know your objectives
If you know exactly what you’re working towards, you’re already halfway there. When you’re starting a new project, it’s important to formulate a plan and (mostly) stick to it. Stay organised, keep your strategy in mind and never let your eye wander from the goal. Give yourself deadlines to complete specific sections and don’t worry too much if you don’t meet them every time. Deviating from the plan isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just don’t wander too far from the path and always revisit your objectives.
4. Be positive
This might be just one of the most important points. Negativity can have an enormous effect on your state of mind, not to mention the state of mind of your colleagues. Positivity is infectious and if you can maintain a can-do attitude, the chances are those working around you will absorb all of that good energy. This is especially important for those in management positions or those responsible for motivating staff into doing the best they can do! If morale is high, the work will be more creative and focused.
5. Customise your space (where you can)
Your office space can be key to how well you work. No one wants to work in a dull, drab office, so liven the place up a bit with photos, motivational posters or music, if the Boss give the go ahead. We encourage our tenants to get creative with their working space, as we believe it goes a long way in stimulating creativity.
6. Congratulate yourself for a job well done
Even if it’s a small task complete, reward yourself. Whether you’re grabbing a tasty snack or heading out after work for a drink with your colleagues, everyone deserves something for their hard work. If you’re working on a big project and you complete it successfully, why shouldn’t your arrange something special to congratulate everyone? Not only that, but outings beyond the work spectrum promote good work-relationships in a relaxed environment.