Do you ever have those days when you find yourself doing a lot of nothing while you’re supposed to be working?
You know, those days when you appear to be busy but things aren’t really getting done?
The multi-tasking you’re doing turns into looking at the latest Macy’s sale, researching your next vacation package on Groupon, scrolling through your social media timelines, reading promotional emails in your inbox, or visiting at your co-workers desk several times.
When your work day veers off into the direction of non-focus, the chances of it ending up productive is pretty slim.
Nevertheless, what will happen is you will work much harder the next couple of days, just to get caught up from being non-productive today.
Currently, I work remotely (at home and in the field) and my work day starts off at home, I then work in the field visiting customer accounts for a large portion of the day, once I wrap up out there, I head home to finish working.
However, if I don’t have a plan the night before I leave the house, my whole day will be amiss. I can already tell you how much I will accomplish on days in which I don’t have a plan—nothing!
More often than not I’m pretty disciplined. I have to be if I want to pay these bills. However, I can’t dismiss those moments when I feel like my brain wants to do its own thing.
But don’t fret, it happens, and the reality is some days you are going to be off point.
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Colossians 3:23 NIV says, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
However, as you know me I will not leave you without any recommendations.
1. Write Down Your Priorities for the Next Work Day
Create a personalized to do list by using a daily planner/desk/google calendar to write out the things you need to work on the next day.
This will train your mind to know what to expect before you even show up to work. This will work whether you have your own business or work for a company.
In order for me to be productive I must have my days planned out, and still things don’t always go according to them.
2. Prioritize Your Tasks
You will work more efficiently when you take care of the more complicated or the most urgent responsibilities first.
If you don’t prioritize you will find yourself doing what I call half-way working.
Nonetheless, on the days when you feel like a work machine and accomplish everything on your calendar/list, with extra energy to spare, the feeling is so rewarding.
These will be some of your best days. It’s nothing like finishing an assignment and crossing it off the list, right?
3. Don’t Beat Yourself Up
For some reason when the holidays come up I sometimes slack off.
But, since I know this is a pattern of mine I make it a point to take care of the harder work before these days come around.
I’ve gotten better at this over the years and you will too.
However, sometimes you are not going to have the same energy as some of your very productive days. Realize that you are human, and you are allowed to have days or moments like this.
On some days your best is exactly what you gave. When the next day rolls around, get up and strive to do your best.
4. Take a Day Off or Take a Long Break
I understand that everyone is not able to just take a day off when you’re not able to focus, but if you need to go home for the day or just need to call off that day, just do it!
There is nothing worse than wasting a whole day going through the motions and accomplishing nothing.
However, if you must work tell your boss that you need to take a longer lunch or longer break. Go somewhere and talk to God and ask Him to help you to get through the rest of the work day.
If you’re distracted at work and can’t seem to get a grip keep praying for God to help you to work as He desires.
If you work within your own business, for an employer, or are volunteering—God wants you to dedicate your work ethic to Him.
You are to always give your all, and to work for God with all of your heart.
I know I can’t be the only one that struggles with this at times.
Soul Actions:
- Apply at least one of the the tips mentioned the next time you’re in a rut.
- Thank God, that you have a sound mind and are able to work and earn an income.
- Look at these moments and evaluate why you are feeling like this about your work. Pray to God about these feelings and ask Him to help you.
Soul Vitamin: God cares about everything you are facing, don’t ever feel that He doesn’t want to hear what concerns you.
When you work do you always feel like it and what motivates you to keep going when you aren’t feeling it? Send this article to 2 friends, and please share your methods of workday motivation.
