I am frequently asked, “How can I stay motivated through different career stages”?
While we may desire a formula for maintaining a consistent level of motivation for our work and career lives, we are human, and motivation fluctuates naturally.
I would therefore reframe that question with three others, “How can I become more aware of the fluctuations in my motivation day to day”? “How do fluctuations in motivation impact my engagement with work”? And “How is my motivation impacted by change(s) in my career life”?
Consider the following.
Presence and reflective practice
Being more present through regular reflective practice helps us tune into and assess our daily experiences, our emotional and physical well-being, and the natural fluctuations in our motivation. Presence helps us realize when our motivation soars, when it dips, or when it flattens.
This experiential information helps us make necessary adjustments or contemplate appropriate changes to our lives.
Career maintenance
Our career lives need regular maintenance because it will always include some kind of change(s).
We can outgrow work roles. Jobs can be eliminated. Jobs or career paths may no longer suit our developing skills and expertise. Our daily work responsibilities can increase or diminish, all of which can impact how we experience work, the levels of energy, focus, and commitment we bring to our work, and our motivation.
Regular “maintenance” via reflective practice keeps us more attuned to how we are experiencing our career lives day to day.
Connecting with the meaning of our work
It is no surprise that our motivation is often high when we experience meaningful or fulfilling work.
When we feel personally connected to our work, when we can identify the value and purpose of what we are doing day to day – this felt connection feeds our motivation.
The meaning work holds for us also changes at different life stages. Once again, being more aware, reflective, and present in our daily lives creates space to feel and observe these changes to “meaning” and any impact they have on our motivation.
Being attentive to our health and well-being
Fluctuations in our motivation are linked to our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Are we paying attention to our levels of stress, are we giving ourselves time and space to relax and rejuvenate? Are we eating regularly and keeping ourselves well hydrated? Are we monitoring our sleep habits? Are we physically active on a regular basis, are we moving our bodies to help regulate our nervous systems, to release stress?
Do we take our feelings seriously? Are we attentive to our mental health? Are we sustaining good relationships in our lives? Are we nurturing other areas of our lives besides work? Are we seeking support when needed?
Acceptance
As life moves and changes, motivation fluctuates. This is a human “given.” The motivation we experience in our career lives will therefore naturally fluctuate, too.
Accepting these fluctuations creates some space to monitor and deepen our awareness of the changes in our motivation cognitively, emotionally, and physically.
Acceptance makes us more flexible and open to seeing possibilities for suitable adjustments in our lives.
Acceptance draws our attention back to selfcare and our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
What do you notice about your motivation?
Need help, guidance, or support? Career Counselling can help at any stage of your career life. Contact [email protected] for more information or to book a consultation.
