Before you start reading the full post I feel I should issue a disclaimer. There are lots of times when I struggle to motivate myself. For example, I am a triumph of hope over experience when it comes to losing weight. I’m full of good intentions but… However, I am pretty good at getting on with things most of the time. One of the things I do is occasionally give myself permission not to do anything for a while, which helps me gain motivation for when I’m ready to carry on.

If you find yourself operating below your best at work, lacking in motivation, it will gradually erode your confidence in your abilities. And people will lose confidence in you which is definitely NOT a good thing.

Here are just a few quick tips for getting the best out of any job. However trivial it may seem, if you regularly give of your best others will notice and you will reap the rewards of success. Being successful can become a really good habit you’ll want to keep.

Really Absorb Yourself in Whatever You’re Doing

Whatever it is you are doing, even if it’s just filing, or inputting data, become wholly focussed on it and do it really well. It matters to someone that it’s done properly so make it matter to you too. Think of it as an exercise in mindfulness, focus completely and you’ll be helping your mental health. Try to stand up while you do it, too, and get a double benefit.

Adopt the adage ‘If a job is worth doing it’s worth doing well’. If you are really in a job you find unfulfilling and useless then make plans now to get out of it. But most jobs are there because someone needs it to be done. Even if you are working below your capabilities at the moment take a pride in what you do. Doing this well can open doors for you to move on to something better.

Don’t Complain, Resolve

It’s a waste of time to complain just for the sake of having a moan or trying to apportion blame. It makes you noticeable for the wrong reasons. It’ll also make you fed up and so the vicious cycle begins.

Instead try and focus on what went wrong and come up with a solution. Even if your response isn’t acted on you’ll be seen as positive and helpful. You’ll be noticed for all the right reasons.

Find Out What People Think of Your Work

So often appraisals can end up putting a focus on what we’ve done wrong but we respond best by being given praise. It’s been estimated that it takes about seven pieces of positive praise to wipe out one negative comment. So accept people’s right to criticise your work but then ask what they think you do well. Don’t fixate on the negatives but do more of the positives. You’ll find that the negatives will naturally tend to fade as you crowd them out with good things.

Be Prepared to Wait for the Rewards

Once you’ve lifted your game and are performing at your peak, you may have to wait a while for people to notice. It’s called deferred gratification, like saving up for something. The anticipation of what you will get at the end keeps you saving even when you want to overspend on a mad week end or new clothes. The end you have in sight keeps you motivated. So it is with work. Keep on keeping on, make sure people know about you, and don’t give up. Some of the senior women I’ve worked with know it rarely comes easily, but the common denominator is that they never gave up.

Be wonderful, the world needs many more wonderful women.

RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!

RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.

Posted on November 12th, 2021 by Jane