How do you stay motivated and productive... all the time?

Motivation….this is a good question.  Normally, I might suggest your try to understand what your intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors are?  However, most people don’t really do that specifically.  If you have time, you may read on the web and try to define these factors.  Then plan your work to ensure they are in it.  

I do think it may be easier to look at Fredrick Herzberg’s theory and ask a few questions to relate it to your situation in hopes of turning something up.  His theory describes a few motivating factors.  They are: achievement, recognition, growth and interest.  Let’s look at these one at a time.

Achievement:  Do you get a sense of accomplishment from the tasks you do?  Do you gain a sense of pride in finishing your tasks?  Do you feel any positive emotions when you complete a task?  If not, your work may not have any personal value to you.  This could definitely cause you to burnout.  Seek a few tasks that are really interesting to you.  Careful though, you may find you spend more of your time on the interesting tasks than the others.  Everyone has those boring tasks that must be done to stay hired.  Just try to mix in a few that are really interesting to you.  Make work a little more fun….strange concept, huh?

Recognition:  Do you feel rewarded for completing your work?  Do others recognize the completion of your tasks (either management, peers, team members, etc.)? Seek out a task or two that carries with it a little exposure or recognition.  Celebrate your victory, no matter how small it may be.  This goes a long way in keeping you motivated. 

Growth:  Do your tasks lead to growth and advancement?  Does your work build on your skills?  Unfortunately, many jobs and managers don’t encompass tasks that greatly improve your skills or allow your abilities to expand outside of the normal requirements.  You may have to do this yourself.  Maybe you should consider tackling bigger projects that challenge you more.  You can gain a real sense of self by pushing yourself to juggle bigger balls rather than by trying to juggle more balls.

Interest:  Do you find yourself working more one some tasks than others?  Do the tasks you do mean anything to you personally?  If you weren’t paid to do the tasks you do, would you consider doing them anyhow?  Work must provide value to us if we are to grow from doing it.  If your work isn’t interesting anymore, you may be experiencing Content Plateauing.  You can get around this by gaining work that is interesting to you.  Maybe something outside of your expertise where you’re forced to learn something totally new.

Lastly, surround yourself with individuals that are as driven and motivated as you are.  I’ve created a team that supports me in my career endeavors.  I call it a “Blitz” team.  They are highly motivated and driven just like me.  When I’m down and burnout, they aren’t. They help me back up and keep me going.  I’ll be posting information about my blitz team on www.blitztheladder.com so you can see how it works.  Stay Tuned!