In a Rut? Try These Simple Approaches to Re-Energize Yourself

We all fall into work ruts at times. Rather than trying to power through these moments, take a proactive approach to managing your energy. Here are some simple ways to give yourself a little boost when you’re feeling down.

Write your purpose on a post-it. This might be your overall career purpose (why you’ve chosen the profession that you are in) or a micro purpose (what’s motivating you to do a great job on a particular project or task). Keep it at your desk as a constant visual reminder of why you do what you do, especially when things are exhausting or stressful.

Create “a wall of encouragement.” Take any messages of encouragement, awards, positive feedback, or even memes that make you laugh and put them near your desk or store them in a digital folder. Look at them when you need to feel re-energized and appreciated.

Write up a "to-don’t" list. What things are you currently doing that are sucking up your energy? Identify which ones you can stop doing and put them on a list. These might be certain people that you decide not to see, habits that you want to break, or tedious tasks that can be automated or delegated.

This tip is adapted from “Stop Trying to Manage Your Time,” by Amantha Imber