Naiman Labs newsletter #30. Hack your motivation at work.

Welcome to the 30th issue of my weekly newsletter! We all experience moments when we feel down at work, lacking motivation and job satisfaction. These times can make us feel vulnerable, and even small things can bring us even lower (e.g. your manager hasn’t said that you’ve done a great job) can bring us even lower.

In HR terms, this feeling is known as "low engagement". A multi-factor concept that companies aim to address to boost employees' overall satisfaction and productivity. It is a huge multi-factor concept. Increasing and keeping a high-level of employees engagement is one of the prime goals of HR teams and companies in general.

When you find yourself feeling low at work, here are some practical steps you can take to lift yourself up:

🏖️ Take a Break: Sometimes, all you need is a day for yourself to recharge. Turn off all notifications and indulge in activities that bring you pure joy.

Pro tip: it’s a good idea to have a list of things that charge your batteries and bring you pure joy. Dinner with your friends, spa, getting a haircut, purchasing a new book. Find your treat 🎂

📈 Increase Complexity: Routine and mundane tasks can drag you down. Look for opportunities to increase the complexity of your work. For instance, if you're preparing a regular weekly report, consider automating parts of it or adding sections with your own ideas and proposals. Finding the right balance of complexity can lead to a state of "Flow," where work becomes engaging and motivating.

🕠 5-Minute Rule: Procrastination can contribute to feeling low at work. Trick your brain by promising to work on a task for just 5 minutes. This short timeframe feels less intimidating, and you'll often find yourself fully engaged and committed to finishing the task within those 5 minutes.

🤝 Speak up: Don't hesitate to discuss your feelings with your manager. It's in their best interest to keep you motivated and help you overcome challenges. Communicate your thoughts and concerns openly, as a supportive manager can play a significant role in boosting your motivation.

Remember, it's natural to experience low moments at work. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a gentle push when needed. But also, avoid pushing yourself too hard to prevent burnout 🔥. Take the time to listen to your emotions and feelings, as they can guide you towards understanding your work patterns better.

Pro tip: you can find it helpful to write down the emotions and “name” them. “I am sad”, “I am tired”, “I am excited”, “I am angry”. Be honest with yourself. By writing them down you get control over them.

Recently, I've become more mindful of my own work journey, noticing "higher" and "lower" days in my calendar. The key is to be honest with yourself and respond accordingly. If you frequently feel low, it might be a sign to evaluate your path and ensure you're moving in the right direction. You can also try some of the exercises I shared a couple of weeks ago.

That's it for today! Have a great work week ahead.

🤓 Remember, while your employer plays a role in your motivation, you also hold the power to influence it.

Your Motivation Matters!