You have goals and ambitions, and everything seems to be progressing on track. But life is dynamic, and not all days are the same. There are days when it seems impossible to be positive and motivated. Even if you’re in a job or business that fuels your passion, there are times when you can’t go on. It feels like you have hit an inexplicable slump. There are some eye-rolling stats to support that demotivation is more and more noticeable in the workplace. Employee stress is at an all-time high, and only 21% are engaged at work per the 2022 Gallup Report. Since motivation and employee engagement are inextricably linked, does that mean the remaining workforce is demotivated? If yes, how to tackle demotivation at work is the big question?
Demotivation:
By definition, demotivation is the lack of interest and enthusiasm to do something and is most often related to specific triggers.
What does it look like at work?
Engaged employees are enthusiastic, proactive, and problem-solvers. They go above and beyond their job role without being asked to. Whereas the disengaged and demotivated employees are quite the opposite. On the surface, everything appears great. Yet they take longer to complete tasks, feel overwhelmed easily, lack focus, put in the bare minimum effort required at work, and are generally not aligned with the company vision and values. There is an invisible obstacle they can’t seem to overcome.
Don’t confuse this for procrastination or laziness. It is demotivation raising its ugly head. And if it makes you feel better – even high achievers and super successful people feel demotivated now and then.
Curious to know more about procrastination. Read my blog on The Procrastination Epidemic.
Causes of demotivation at work:
The reasons for demotivation at work can vary from unrealistic goals, lack of flexibility, lack of opportunities, lack of clarity, conflict with management, lack of appreciation, or leadership issues. The biggest problem perhaps is the lack of purpose and unclear goals.
But no organization scores a perfect ten on all parameters. A lot depends on how we as individuals address our roadblocks and get back into the groove. How then can we effectively dump the slump and tackle demotivation at work?
My three-step approach to tackle demotivation at work
TL;DR: Here’s the essence in under a minute.
Reflect
Awareness is the first step. Sit down and reflect on why you feel the way you feel. You will realize the trigger is an emotion/thought. It could be anger, fear, frustration, ego, or overthinking. For example, when someone says or does something you don’t like, it triggers your ego/fear. Logic and communication breakdown, and our defenses are up. In that negative state, more things derail, making us angry, resentful and demotivated. Recognize the trigger and get the emotion out.
Some things that can help are:
- Breathe: Focus on the breath is calming and clears muddled thoughts.
- Journal: Feel lighter by getting your feelings off your head and onto a book/paper.
- Meditate: Use guided meditation to detach and disengage from negativity and think clear.
- Talk: Call that person you know is a well-wisher and talk your heart out.
- Run/walk: A run or a walk is refreshing and releases endorphins that automatically reduce anxiety and depression levels.
- Music: If music is your go-to therapy for stress, turn your motivation playlist on!
All the above techniques are scientifically proven to make you feel better and get you back on track.
Reframe
Things may not be as gloomy or pessimistic as in our heads. Consciously rethink the situation and reframe your thoughts around it because thoughts become words and ultimately translate into action.
Respond
Stay focused on what is important to you. Park that ego and take constructive action. Reenergize the situation with positivity.
Action drives Motivation
Remember, even high-achievers can become demotivated. And demotivation brings inaction that stalls progress.
Push yourself from inaction to action, even if you don’t feel like it. Because action is progress, a step closer to your goals. Action is what revs up your motivation engine and puts you back on track.
Whether at work or in your personal life, Happiness Habits has the cure for your blues.