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  • Can’t be Bothered with Motivation?

    Posted on January 26th, 2009 Marieke Guy No comments

    I’ve mentioned before that I am the ‘Remote Worker Champion’ at UKOLN. (This doesn’t involve me winning medals or being good at anything, it’s just about me supporting the UKOLN remote workers). We are currently planning a one-day internal workshop tackling remote worker issues. After chatting to people it hasn’t been that surprising to discover that the number one issue they have as remote workers is motivation.

    Sometimes it’s just difficult to get motivated. It’s even more difficult when:

    • You’re not sure what you are supposed to be doing at work
    • You’ve got other things that need doing and are quite straightforward (like the washing up)
    • There is no-one there to inspire you
    • There is no-one there to watch you and check you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing
    • You’re bored

    no motivation
    Although I don’t have the answers yet (the hope is that the workshop will help here) it is obvious that one of the main problems is not having a clear vision (sorry for the management speak).

    The fact that much of my work (and other people’s, especially in academia) doesn’t have an obvious point, was initially a big shock to me. It’s taken me a while to realise that sometimes the things you do don’t make sense till later down the line, and sometimes they don’t make sense at all…. This doesn’t mean that they are pointless.

    Unfortunately that doesn’t really help you feel motivated. :-(

    What I’ve found helps is to make sure I have the point of what I’m doing (no matter how small or long term it is) clear in my mind. Just remember that we can’t all be doctors and nurses but what you do can make a small difference. Eight years in and I think I’m pretty good at setting my own goals and creating my own vision.

    Of course if that doesn’t work…there’s always the fact that your job pays the bills. There’s no better motivator than money! ;-)

    I’ll get back to you with some tips on getting motivated!