It can be difficult to know what to do when you don’t want to work. When that motivation isn’t there, sometimes it can be easier to just sit around and wait to be inspired.
But what if you don’t have the time to wait around?
Since this is a problem that almost every working adult faces occasionally, there are proven methods to help. In this article, I go over some of the most popular ways to help kick your work drive into fourth gear and get things done.
Ready to work hard and cross off that to-do list? Keep reading to learn the most effective solutions for what to do when you don’t want to work…
Identify Why You Don’t Want to Work
When it comes to not wanting to work, one of the most useful things that you can do is identify why you are dealing with this emotion in the first place.
While the occasional lack of motivation to work is common, what is important is to work through that feeling. Once you do, you will be able to get back on track.
While this article discusses proven methods to help you stay motivated when you don’t want to work, I think it’s important to first identify why you don’t want to work.
Here are my 3 reasons for simply not wanting to work:
Avoiding a task
Often when I don’t want to sit down and write, it is because I am avoiding a problem. While that problem can feel like a massive undertaking, typically it isn’t that big of a deal.
Procrastination is real guys. When I problem feels overwhelming, sometimes it’s easier to just procrastinate. Taking steps to challenge yourself every day can help a lot with procrastination.
Burnt Out
When I am working a lot (something I think we are all guilty of), oftentimes I can go until I am running on fumes. Eventually, even the fumes run out and I am left with nothing left.
When this happens, the last thing I want to do is work! Burnout can be very dangerous – it’s really important to try and keep balance in your life to avoid this.
Taking the time to enjoy the simple joys of life and taking a step back from the grind can help you regain some perspective and avoid burnout.
I don’t like what I need to do
As an entrepreneur, one of the things I hate doing most are house chores. Honestly, I hate it.
To me, it’s the most thankless, never ending job in the entire world, but it’s work that needs to get done. Finding the motivation to clean is one of my greatest challenges as I just want to be working on my businesses.
Maybe you can relate to these reasons for not wanting to work (if you have others- tell me in the comments!) and you are ready to learn some of the best ways to stay driven and get to work.
Keep reading to learn the best methods for when you don’t want to work…
What to Do When You Don’t Want To Work
If you have decided that working is simply something that you don’t want to do today, that’s all right! In fact, this is a feeling that almost everyone goes through.
What’s important is that you don’t let emotion get in the way of you achieving your dreams.
Here are a few tricks to help you stay driven and get the job done…
Change Careers
If you find yourself constantly trying to get out of work, it might be time to look into a new career option. No matter your life season, there are countless careers that you can look into that might put that fire under you to get working again.
What’s even more exciting? There are a lot of jobs that you can design around your own schedule. Working from home has never been more popular and the opportunities are increasing every day. Try one of these options for making money:
- 15+ Recession Proof Jobs
- Teach English Online
- Low Cost Business Ideas
- Start a Bookkeeping Business
- Become a Virtual Assistant
- Make Money Without a Job
Talk with Someone for Support
The reasons for not wanting to work can be anything and everything. From a simple lack of motivation to exhaustion to a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell what the true reason is, which is why when I don’t want to work I will try and talk it out with someone.
Oftentimes, it’s a simple conversation with my partner that lasts a few minutes to help me see what the underlying issue is. This is also why a lot of companies schedule one on one meetings with boss and their teammates so that they can work together to stay motivated.
Once I understand the deeper issue, then I can move forward in solving the problem.
Solve a Problem
Sometimes when I am avoiding work, it’s because I have some sort of problem that needs solving. If I am a baker, for example, and I need to do my taxes, sometimes it feels easier to avoid all that paperwork and bake bread instead.
So your work never gets done and the problem grows in your head. Make it a priority to schedule some time to at least start solving the problem.
That will help lift the burden that the problem is creating and create motivation for your business.
Challenge Yourself
When my to-do list seems like it’s a mile long, I like to sit back and set time challenges to see if I can get it done in that time allotment.
This is especially helpful if it’s a task that I really do not want to do. Cleaning the bathroom? Ugh. Challenging myself to have it done in under ten minutes? Let’s go.
Grab a Coffee
This tip was inspired by my personal lack of motivation this morning! Sometimes, when you don’t want to work, that extra boost of caffeine can help you complete any tasks that have to get done.
After school drop off, I occasionally make it a point to visit the local coffee house to boost my productivity for the day.
Plus, it breaks up the monotony in the day which can also help get your motivation back on track!
Plan a Vacation
Even with a planned long weekend, there is something about having a break planned in the future that really kicks work into high gear. Whether I am planning a 2 week trip around the world or a little weekend getaway, having something fun planned can really drive productivity.
Whenever we have a trip planned, we intentionally plan so that work doesn’t come with us. I write and schedule all of my blog posts and work with my team to ensure that I can truly unwind during my trip.
You can also save money on your vacation by using Ibotta! Learn how to use Ibotta to save money on travel.
Take a 20 Minute Productivity Nap
Sometimes, you just need a nap- I get it! Sometimes when I sit down to work something happens in my brain that just needs to be worked out.
For me, the only way to help untangle my thoughts is a nap.
To have a productive nap, I like to make sure that I leave all electronics in the other room. That way, I don’t lay down and waste time on apps or checking email.
You can grab a traditional alarm clock like this one on Amazon so that your nap is truly restful.
Plan a Reward for Completing a Task
A fun way to inspire you to get work done is to have a reward planned for when you complete a task. Whether it is preparing for a presentation or deep cleaning your bathroom, sometimes knowing that you have something nice coming afterwards is the push that you need.
The best part? You don’t need to have a big budget planned for a reward. It could be anything that you love! A nice long walk, a DIY spa day, or maybe you take time to finally watch that one show.
Blast the Music
When I really need to finish up a blog post or finish up that spreadsheet but I am dragging at the end of the day, sometimes the best medicine is to blast the music!
Music is such a powerful tool to help you get things done. Whether you are looking for a calm focus, an inspiring podcast,or something to get your blood pumping, you can find the right music to get you working.
Remind Yourself of Your Goals
As an entrepreneur, it can be easy to have those days (or weeks) that can make you wonder if all this work is truly worth it. This way of thinking can hurt workflow and keep motivation at a minimum.
When this happens, take the time to look at the big picture. Sometimes looking at your big goals will provide that push to get working again. I like to have quarterly, annual, and 5 year SMART goals to help me stay focused on my business.
I keep my goals printed at my desk so I can pick them up and read them when I start to feel discouraged. It really amps up my motivation when I see my goals in writing.
Plus, it allows you to recognize the portion of your goals you may have already met for the year which makes you feel amazing.
Start Small
On those days that you really do not want to work, sometimes it’s because the to-do list can feel overwhelming. The project due at the end of the week is going to take 100 tiny steps and looking at that list of 100 tasks just feels too big.
My advice? Start small. Pick out one or two tasks to help you feel successful.
This can often create a motivational snowball effect. Before you know it, your project will be complete!
Change Your Work Environment
If you work but simply don’t want to, why not try a new spot for the day? Since I work from home, sometimes moving my workspace to the kitchen table or the backyard to listen to the birds can make all of the difference.
Another idea might be to move that dreaded team meeting from the cold meeting room to the brewery down the street. That way, you can support the local business and the new space could inspire new ideas.
Eat Well
When I am on a roll with work, my eating habits tend to go by the wayside. Why would I spend time eating a hearty salad when I could just grab some fast food and get back to my big project?
The only problem is, food is fuel and this habit always catches up with me. When I fuel my body with unhealthy meals, eventually my brain and mind turn into sludge.
Suddenly, I am unable to work as well and my motivation has completely disappeared.
Eating lean proteins, good carbs, and a hearty serving of fruits and vegetables is really the secret to success when you don’t want to work. Creating a monthly meal plan can be extremely helpful to keep you on track eating healthy.
Visit the Doctor
Oftentimes, when we don’t feel our best, one of the first things to disappear is our motivation. If you aren’t feeling well, your body is using all of its energy to function properly.
A simple visit to the doctor could help you find an underlying problem that is stopping you from hitting your career goals.
Before you go, take a few days to write out any symptoms that you may have so that the doctor knows what to test for.
You never know- I had a friend who did this and it turns out that her vitamin D levels were so low it was a miracle that she could even stand. Once she got treatment, she became a racehorse and even went back to school.
Don’t let a simple thing like low vitamin levels keep you from staying motivated!
In Summary
These methods are to help you when you don’t want to work. From checking out your health to creating a timed challenge- there are plenty of ways to help you get done whatever it is that you need to complete.
After you identify the reason why you are struggling with working, then you can begin finding the best way to complete any job that needs doing.
Have you tried any of these methods to help motivate you when you don’t want to work? Which ones have worked for you? Tell me in the comments below to help others stay motivated as well!
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