How do you motivate yourself to complete a task?
The Challenge
Think back to a time when you faced a task you were not motivated to get started on. What are three actions you took to motivate yourself to finish it? If you cannot identify three actions for this situation, think back to other situations where you had a hard time moving forward on a task. What steps did you take to motivate yourself? Which steps worked best for you?
Why do this?
Accountability requires that you hold yourself responsible for delivering quality results in a timely way. Sometimes this means finding ways to motivate yourself to get the task done.
Research shows that low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine contribute to a lack of motivation, fatigue, decreased mood, and difficulty concentrating. Use this science to improve your dopamine levels and increase your motivation. When beginning a large task, focus on how great it will feel when it is completed. Break the task into smaller steps and celebrate the completion of each step. Share your results, positive or negative, with your co-workers along the way. Take breaks, listen to music, or take a walk during lunch. Each of these activities will increase your dopamine levels and your motivation.
What’s next?
Test out these strategies over the next week and assess how effective they are at enhancing your motivation and productivity. Select the strategies that work best for you and continue using them the following week.
