Have you returned to work from a summer break and you just can’t get back into the swing of things? Are your projects picking up speed but you feel you’re being left behind?
It’s time to get your work mojo back so you can enjoy the things you do, feel on top of them and maybe even take on a new challenge.
Here are 3 steps that help me go from chilled to thrilled (ok that was cheesy!). Let’s just say these steps help me whenever I struggle to gain momentum:
1) Start an interesting project
You have your given work tasks and projects, but is there room for something new?
Often the new quarter brings opportunities to get involved in projects and initiatives that are a chance to learn something, use your creativity and have impact in a new area. Do you have that option in your role?
If not, can you create a project, whether at work or as a hobby?
Starting an interesting project is your chance to get fired up about something and this enthusiasm and energy will likely transfer to your bigger, longer-term projects that have made you lose a bit of steam.
As the saying goes “if you want something done, ask a busy person”. Adding a new challenge can help your mind get going again and find its mojo for all the ‘business as usual’ work, too.
2) Become a catalyst
If there is no room for a project, can you *do* things in a different way? Can you change your approach and develop a new framework for the work you’ve been doing? Can you involve people in new ways?
For example, if your work includes a lot of analysis, what part of your process currently feels cumbersome or inefficient? Do you have ideas for improving those steps? If not, can you pinpoint what the problem is and ask for help?
Or if you’ve improved your skills in a specific area recently, how about teaching others and sharing your knowledge? You could set up lunch & learn sessions. Not only can YOU benefit from doing things differently, you may inspire others and help them regain their mojo.
3) Find some new people to work with
No, I don’t mean quit your job. But why not seek out connections with people in your company whom you haven’t worked with before?
Start by reaching out to those closest to your work, e.g. stakeholders for the reports you create or fellow developers who you could learn from and share your work with.
You never know, you may have created something that they aren’t aware of but that will save them a huge amount of time.
I have found it really beneficial to have colleagues talk me through the steps of a task they do to see where I can help. It also teaches me additional business knowledge and helps me appreciate the work they do.
Who is someone you’d like to learn from? What’s a team or department you find interesting and could you shadow someone for a day? What connections between your team and others could add valuable improvements for your organisation?
I hope you’ll find these 3 steps helpful.
Over to you: did you take a break this summer? I’d love to hear if you did and what you did (travel? DIY projects? something else?). And how are you getting back into the swing of things at work?
Have a great week!
Eva