Bien Logo

3+1 Things I Do When I Can’t Find Motivation to Work

Zabolai Margit3 min read
Share:
3+1 Things I Do When I Can’t Find Motivation to Work — Lifestyle
In this article

Small, Achievable, Lovable Goals

Small, Achievable, Lovable Goals
Ever feel overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks and can’t bring yourself to start anything? That only leaves you with less time, more stress, and a frozen feeling that keeps you stuck.

It’s easy to fall into this spiral but much harder to break free. What I do is simply block everything out—I don’t overthink the order or which task to tackle first. I just grab the first thing on my list and start. If that feels too big, I break it down into smaller steps and begin with the tiniest one.

While working, I try not to think about the rest of the workload—right now, it’s just this small, clear, doable task I set for myself. It’s manageable and even enjoyable because finishing it gives me a little endorphin boost.

These little wins help break the paralysis and bring me back into the flow.

I Set Deadlines

I Set Deadlines
Once I get started, I keep myself on track by setting small deadlines. These depend on the task size, difficulty, and my mood that day. Sometimes I break smaller tasks into 10-minute chunks; other times, I give myself longer blocks or tie tasks to something else. For example, "I need to translate this page before the laundry finishes," or "I’ll order lunch, and while waiting, I’ll focus on this presentation."

Deadlines don’t just motivate me—they help keep my day from slipping away. If I plan my tasks in smaller chunks but run late—say finishing at 11:23 instead of 11:00—I can see the delay early and adjust. It’s way easier to catch up on 23 minutes than to panic at 4 p.m. realizing I’m still three hours from finishing.

Changing My Environment

Changing My Environment
I’ve noticed that when I struggle to start a task, stepping out of my usual environment helps a lot. Why? Simply put, after sitting at the same desk staring at my screen for three and a half hours, it’s unlikely my brain will suddenly spark in the fourth hour.

Luckily, as a freelancer doing creative work with just a laptop, it’s easy for me to move to a café.

Of course, some jobs don’t allow this, but even in an office, it’s worth trying a meeting room or a lounge area for a short project.

There’s definitely a science to this—I don’t know exactly why it works, but it does: when I sit somewhere new with the clear goal of finishing a specific task, my brain focuses much easier.

...And When All Else Fails, I Admit It’s Not Working

...And When All Else Fails, I Admit It’s Not Working
Sometimes, it just doesn’t work. This can be a sensitive topic because many can’t afford to slow down, even when they desperately need to. But creating a work environment where it’s okay to say, "I’m burned out and need a break," is so important.

In my career, I’ve faced moments when I felt completely drained. I always communicated this with my collaborators, and together we found solutions—taking a few days off or temporarily reducing my workload.

I’m grateful for this understanding from my employers, and I truly believe it’s in every company owner’s best interest to let employees recharge. In the long run, everyone wins.

Photos: istockphoto.com
LifestyleMoney & career

Related reads

Job Hunting in a Quiet Market: What to Do When Nobody Seems to Be Hiring — Money & career

Job Hunting in a Quiet Market: What to Do When Nobody Seems to Be Hiring

When hiring slows and layoffs slow too, the job market goes strangely still — and applications vanish into silence. Here is how to run a search that keeps its shape when the market won't cooperate.

Isabella Wolf•
These 3 Zodiac Signs Are Most Likely to Quietly Undermine Their Coworkers — Lifestyle

These 3 Zodiac Signs Are Most Likely to Quietly Undermine Their Coworkers

Some coworkers never raise their voice, yet they still manage to turn the whole office against you. These three zodiac signs are the masters of it.

Farkas Izabella•
Why So Many Bad Bosses Exist: The Peter Principle Explains It Perfectly — Lifestyle

Why So Many Bad Bosses Exist: The Peter Principle Explains It Perfectly

Ever met a boss and wondered how they got the job? There's a name for it. The Peter Principle explains why so many people end up in over their heads.

Farkas Izabella•
Why some people seem so lucky — and how to become one of them — Lifestyle

Why some people seem so lucky — and how to become one of them

Some people always seem to be in the right place at the right time. But what if luck isn't nearly as random as it looks? Here's how to create your own.

Farkas Margaréta•
6 iconic designer bags that could actually gain value over time — Fashion

6 iconic designer bags that could actually gain value over time

Some vintage designer bags don't just hold their value — they grow in it. Here are 6 iconic models worth watching, and what to check before you buy.

Fehér Dia•
The zodiac signs money finds most easily this fall, ranked — Lifestyle

The zodiac signs money finds most easily this fall, ranked

Jupiter, the planet of abundance, is aligning in a way that gives several zodiac signs real financial momentum this fall. See where your sign lands.

Farkas Izabella•