We all face situations in life we don't like. There are always those projects or tasks that just have to be done that we'd rather not do. There are always going to be times when we have to work with demotivation.
Part of maturity and taking responsibility for our lives is doing the things that need to be done, and doing them well whether or not we're in the mood.
Here are some strategies you can use that may help you to deal with those kinds of activities you'd rather not have to:
1. Get really clear on the project or task you need to complete
2. Completely relax your body from head to toe (take a few minutes to do this), focusing on the point just below your navel. This is known as your lower Dantien, a point of focus, balance and inner strength. Concentrating on this point helps you feel more centred, more solid and more grounded.
3. From this place of focus, fully accept that the project or task needs to be done and that it will be dealt with either by you or someone else.
4. Establish/list what aspects of the task or project put you off
5. Take each hindrance and find a way around it, eg:
· Task is too big (can you make it smaller?)
· I can't do it on my own (can you get help? Who from?)
· It's dirty, grimy (can you view this as a character-building exercise?)
· I don't understand it/don't have the right training (can you get the right training or support?)
· It's too boring (can you find a way to make it more fun?)
6. Create space for the completion of the project or task. Decide when you are going to finish the project/task. Be aware that you may not finish it by the exact end date you put on it, but the fact you now have a timeframe can help to galvanise you and motivate you go get busy.
Establishing timeframes can, however, be a double-edged sword. Whereas a well estimated timeframe can do wonders to get you moving, a badly estimated one can not only add to your general stress levels, but also deflate you if the bigger part of you is convinced you'll never be able to meet it.
The trick is to get good, with practice, at setting timeframes for yourself for whatever you do on a daily basis. How long do you need to prepare dinner? How long do you need to drive to work and back? How quickly can you get this report completed? How long do you expect to take to get the car fixed?
By beginning to put timeframes on the things you do every day, you'll begin to get a better feel for your pace and, more importantly your style of working when demotivation begins to set in. With time, it then becomes easier to gauge just how long important projects and activities will take you and you'll be better able to communicate this to those around you.
If it's not your timeframe but someone else's, aim to complete your task or project before the end of theirs. Essentially you're setting a timeframe within a timeframe. If it is getting close to the end date try your best to finish it by that date. If this really is not possible, ask for a reasonable but definite extension - e.g. an extra seven days, an extra 14 days, an extra hour etc.
Ensure you will definitely complete the activity by the end of that extension period, as requesting a second postponement may begin to cast doubt on your self-belief in your own eyes, and your credibility in the eyes of those around you.
Adopting these strategies when you don't feel like doing something you know needs to be completed, you'll begin to see significant and positive shifts in how you work with demotivation.
