Institute for Organization Management - A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

  • About
    • General Information
      • Institute Policies and Procedures
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
    • Recruitment Toolkit
    • Prospective Student Toolkit
    • Media
    • Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
  • Curriculum
    • Core Curriculum
    • Elective Curriculum
    • Webinars & Resource Center
  • Sites & Dates
    • Winter Institute
    • Midwest Institute
    • Southeast Institute
    • Northeast Institute
    • 2023 Institute Schedule
  • Registration
    • Register Now!
    • Deadlines and Fees
    • Scholarships
      • Enrollment Incentives
      • State Partner Scholarship
  • Who’s Who
    • Staff
    • Volunteers
    • Faculty
    • Sponsors
    • Alumni
      • IOM Alumni Database
  • Blog
A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

June 14, 2017

Tips for Staying Motivated at Work

I consider myself part of the select group of working professionals who truly loves my job. I’ve had the great fortune to work in various capacities at the same organization for almost 11 years, which is somewhat rare these days.

As much as I appreciate doing what I do, I sometimes need a little boost to get through the day, week, etc. No matter how much you love your job, it’s common to need some motivation every once in a while. Below are a few things I’ve found to be helpful in getting me through the rough patches.

  • Create a plan and reward yourself. This can be a natural motivator for all of us planners out there. Whether your plan focuses on the long-term or is simply a daily to-do list, organizing your thoughts to create a game-plan can work wonders. What’s more satisfying than accomplishing your goals, both big and small? Rewarding yourself for your accomplishment, that’s what. Now be careful not to overdo it, but don’t be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Or treat yourself to some ice cream…whatever makes you happy.
  • Take a break. I feel like this has become a trendy topic, and it’s for good reason. It’s been said that working in shorter bursts is actually more productive than trying to stay focused for consecutive hours on end. Taking a break can involve checking your social media accounts and catching up on your favorite blog, but I challenge you to take it even further and actually step away from your desk. Go refill your water bottle or take a couple of laps around the office floor. Have that discussion with a colleague in person instead of sending an email. And now that it’s spring, consider taking a walk outside.
  • Know yourself. I have come to learn over the years that my most productive times during the day are between 10:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., so this is when I schedule time to brainstorm or to work on projects that require more focus and attention. I know that doing database work at 4:00 p.m. on a Friday will serve me better in the long run rather than trying to draft a program agenda from scratch. Knowing yourself and your work habits will help you stay on track.
  • Remember the big picture. When jumping from one task to the next, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. When you find yourself in a slump, take a minute to pause and think about what interested you about your job in the first place. Was it the overall mission of the organization? The workplace culture? Your ability to maintain work-life balance? Whatever the reason, use this as a reminder – i.e. motivator – to help you power through.

What are some things that help you stay motivated?

Avatar photo
Karyn K. MacRae, IOM, CAE, CMP
Director, Institute for Organization Management
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Karyn MacRae has been with the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management team since June of 2006. She currently works with Institute’s National Board of Trustees, five Boards of Regents, and Class Advisor volunteer groups, in addition to working on program logistics. Karyn received her Bachelor of Business Administration in hospitality and tourism management from James Madison University in 2006. She is a 2010 graduate of Institute for Organization Management and received her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential in 2011 and her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in 2014.

Comments

  1. Christine Kennedy says

    July 3, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Such at great article Karyn. I’m sharing in our weekly eblast this week!

    Reply
    • kklein says

      July 3, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks Christine!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
DONATE NOW!
UPDATE CONTACT INFO
Sign-up for Emails
Approved Provider

About

  • General Information
  • Contact Us
  • Curriculum
  • Prospective Student Toolkit

Sites & Dates

  • Winter Institute
  • Midwest Institute
  • Southeast Institute
  • Northeast Institute

Resources

  • Scholarships
  • Faculty
  • Sponsors
  • Update Contact Info
  • Volunteers

Follow IOM

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
IOM Blog

Institute for Organization Management - A program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce © 2023 | Privacy Policy