How to Become More Motivated: 9 Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Drive
Get motivated with these 9 proven steps! From setting goals to finding inspiration, discover the strategies that can boost your productivity and success.
By BrainFall Staff - Updated: October 21, 2015
No, we haven’t seen your stapler. Are you a dedicated workaholic or a big slacker? Find out now!
Are you the first one in and last one out of the office? Maybe you're typing away on your laptop while everyone else is lounging on the beach or snuggling up for movie marathons. If the hum of your printer is your favorite soundtrack and the glow of your computer screen is your go-to ambiance lighting, you might just be tussling with workaholic tendencies. But before you put on your "I heart overtime" badge, let's chat about work-life balance and why it's important for your mental and physical health.
It's great to be passionate about your job, but there’s a thin line between being a dedicated superstar and turning into that person whose idea of rest is switching from a desktop to a tablet during lunch break. You see, even superheroes need a break—yes, they technically don't exist, but if they did, trust me, they would agree. Balancing those endless spreadsheets and power lunches with time for yourself isn't just healthy, it's essential. And no, checking emails during your yoga class doesn't count as mastering the art of balance.
So, if you find your eyebrow twitching at the thought of unwinding, or if the word 'vacation' sounds like a mythical concept from a forgotten era, it's time for a little heart-to-heart with yourself. To unearth whether you're a workaholic or just super engaged in your work, humor yourself by taking this insightful quiz. It might be the first step to achieving the mythical equilibrium known as work-life balance. Who knows, you might even surprise yourself and realize you’ve got this whole balance thing down to an art – or uncover that it's time to unplug and recharge (and we don't mean your devices).
Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty, remember: this isn't just about your job—it's about how your job is doing a number on you, mentally and physically. Let's unravel if you're the office superstar or just a caffeine-fueled zombie in disguise.
Is your work desk your second home? Well, passion for your job is admirable, but when your laptop wallpapers your life, we might be dealing with an obsession. Here's the quirky yet unsettling truth: if your heart speeds up at the sound of an email notification more than for your date's text, that's a sign that your passion might be morphing into a work addiction.
Now, let's play a game called 'Count the Red Flags'.
Stress and a compulsive need to churn out work like a printer gone rogue are some serious symptoms you shouldn't ignore.
Let's picture your work-life balance as a teeter-totter. If your work is the heavy kid that never gets off, sending your life sky-high and stuck, we've got a problem. An always-tipped scale is like ordering a pizza and only getting the box: disappointing and a little depressing. If "me time" sounds like a myth and your hobbies are collecting dust, your scale might just be screaming for some recalibration.
Remember, your sofa misses you and probably harbors no hard feelings for your long absence. Give it some well-deserved attention—it's not just a home decor piece, after all.
Ready to swap your desk glare for some fresh air? Longing to feel the sun on your skin instead of the soul-sucking flicker of fluorescent lights? Let's pave the way to a life where your laptop doesn't rule your world.
You know that picture you have taped to your cubicle of a tropical paradise? That's not just for daydreaming during those endless conference calls. Believe it or not, your brain craves that rest. It's time to prioritize vacation, and no, not just by kicking your feet up on the desk. We're talking about a proper escape, a mental logout if you will. Change your scenery, embrace your interests outside of work, and truly disconnect. Your out-of-office shouldn't be the only sign you're capable of having fun outside the four walls of your workspace.
Do you remember hobbies? Those things you did before your calendar was a color-coded catastrophe? Reignite your personal life and socialize beyond screens by exercising your right to have fun. Join a dodgeball league, dust off your knitting needles, or take a gourmet cooking class. Physical activity is more than just sweating; it's about creating balance. When was the last time you chose endorphins over emails? Your body (and mind) will thank you for a dose of exercise, trust us.
It’s high time you set some digital boundaries! You’re not a cyborg (yet), so there's no reason to be at your boss's beck and call 24/7. Start delegating tasks that can be shared and learn the fine art of saying no—or at least, "I’ll get to it first thing in the morning." Make it a point to unplug every night at a reasonable hour; your screen shouldn't be the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning. Allow yourself some relaxing me-time to enjoy your routine without the pings of desperation from your inbox.