Getting Back in Gear

Let’s face it. It’s hard to keep up enthusiasm for anything, let alone work. Some folks have the capacity to approach every day as a new adventure, while others struggle to muster even the smallest amount of enthusiasm. If you’re one of those folks or somewhere in between, read on.

Here are some tips for regaining your enthusiasm for work.

1. Get outside. Being stuck inside the office all day, can wreak havoc with your attitude, your perspective, and your circadian rhythm, not to mention your skin tone. The sun provides vitality in the form of vitamin D, and it makes you feel good. Make it a point to get out on the weekends and maybe even wake up just 10 minutes earlier than usual to step onto the grass with your bare feet and get back in touch with nature.
2. Start a hobby. Or pickup an old one you’ve let fade away. Taking your mind off of work for just thirty to sixty minutes a week and devoting it to something you enjoy can help you see things in a whole new way. Once you start finding engagement in one aspect of your life, that feeling tends to spread into other areas as well.
3. Get conversational. Pick up the phone and call an old friend or a relative you haven’t seen in a while. People crave socialization. Even the most extreme introvert desires affiliation with other people. Humans thrive in the social sphere; they need to be heard and understood; they want empathy and validation. So go get some! And while you’re at it, you might just want to give some too. You’ll be surprised how good you feel after motivating someone else.
4. Plan for tomorrow. This one can be tough at first, but once you get in the habit, you’ll find this behavior makes you more prepared and more productive every single day. Just take a few minutes each night to map out what you need (or want) to get done the next day. It’s that simple. Get out a piece of paper and write down three to five things you know will make your day a self-fulfilling success. And then start checking them off as you achieve them. There’s a lot of power and satisfaction in checking things off your list. Try it, you’ll thank me later.
5. Treat yourself. Get a massage, go to the spa, take in a show, try out the fancy new restaurant in town, or maybe just buy the nice seats at the movie theater (you know, the $30 ones with the recliner, blanket, and bar service). Taking a break from the ordinary and treating yourself and your loved ones is a great way to feel alive and worthwhile. After all, you deserve it!