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10 ways to boost motivation at work this summer
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How to keep your mind on work, stay motivated and be productive during the hazy days of summer.
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By Tammy Sutherland
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When half of your coworkers are on vacation enjoying summer, it can be difficult to face another eight-hour day at the office. You may have plenty of motivation to plan your next beach getaway, but almost none when it comes to finishing up that monthly report.
Wendy Phaneuf, founder of LeadingforLoyalty.com and managing director of The Training Source in Winnipeg offers 10 ways to stay motivated and boost productivity at work, even if you'd rather be reading a magazine on the beach.
1. Determine what's important
Identify your priorities for the day. "Focusing on priorities is vital for productivity," says Phaneuf. She suggests setting aside 14 minutes, which is a mere one per cent of your day, and answer seven questions to help identify your daily goals.
Depending on your preference, you can do this exercise at the end of your shift for the following day or first thing in the morning. Adjust the following questions according to your job responsibilities:
- What decisions need to be made today?
- Who must I speak to, or meet with, today?
- What are the two most valuable outcomes on my list today?
- How can I be creative today?
2. Record your goals
Now that you've determined your goals, write them down. This could be a simple to-do list, or you can create a template for your seven questions and fill in a sheet for every day. "Numerous studies show that people who set written goals achieve more in their careers and life," says Phaneuf.
3. Share responsibilities
It's tempting to believe that no one is capable of doing a better job than you, but taking on every task in a project could mean you're still stuck at work when the rest of the crew has left early for a long weekend.
"Delegation is one of the most effective methods to boost productivity and motivation in the workplace," explains Phaneuf. Besides, when it's your turn to take a week away at the cottage, you don't want to have to clip your Blackberry to your swimsuit. "Delegating meaningful tasks to those who most need development will equip your team to handle priorities when you aren't around."
4. Use the World Wide Web well
Instead of spending time online ordering a new patio set, embrace the Web for work purposes. "It is a helpful tool for researching best practices and accessing tools and services," says Phaneuf. "When you find a website with helpful information, add it to your favourites directory." She also recommends keeping your favourites up-to-date by occasionally taking a couple of minutes to weed out any that you no longer use.
5. Set your boundaries
While it's important to continue being productive at work during the summer, it's also important to get outside and soak up some vitamin D. "Work breaks exist for a reason -- productivity and focus begins to diminish over extended periods of time without a break."
If it's going to be a busy day, take advantage of the extra daylight and arrive at work early, but be sure to step outside for a walk at lunch. And avoid overtime if possible, because your motivation will definitely take a holiday if your flip flops go unused before fall because you're working 80-hour weeks.
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