You have a lot of tasks to do, but you’re feeling unmotivated. How can you get started?

When feeling unmotivated with a lot of tasks to do, it can be helpful to break down the tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Setting specific, achievable goals for each task and prioritizing them based on urgency and importance can make the workload feel more manageable. Additionally, taking short breaks, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and engaging in physical activity can help refresh the mind and increase motivation. Sometimes, simply starting with the easiest or most enjoyable task can create momentum and build motivation to tackle the rest. Lastly, reminding oneself of the purpose behind the tasks and the impact they will have can reignite motivation and provide a sense of purpose.

We can't be self motivated all te time. Human beings as a species need appreciation. Having said that, when I am not motivated yo do something, I take a break to think- if I have the luxuryof time; failing the luxury of time, I started with the task that is the easiest and smallest. Completing that with efficiency encourages me to tackle the rest.

I will take the smallest and easiest task first. I will set a timer to complete the task without distractions. Instead of focusing on perfection, I would look at the progress for that particular day. Once a task is completed, I would take a break and sometimes order an ice cream to reward myself. If I feel stuck, sometimes, I shift to another spot in the office or home and continue to work. For example, instead of sitting in a seat, I would book the conference hall and work from there for a change.

Feelings of being unmotivated can be tricky, but I agree with Mel Robbins, and I'll suggest her Best-selling and simple approach, the 5 Second Rule. You can't identify the root cause and set SMART goals if you don't start. Starting is the key. So, how do you start when you're unmotivated? Do what Mel says, count down mentally - 5, 4, 3, 2... and before you hit 1, get up and start the action. Set your FEELINGS aside. I know you don't feel like it. That's not the point. If you don't know what to do first. Jot down a quick list and circle the one that, in your gut, you know you need to focus on now. Then, countdown and start. It works. I know from experience. You just have to start.

Use Eisenhower matrix to organize your day. According to the urgency and importance you can decide to work on to keep you motivated and inspired.

A purpose in anything and everything we do is the core motive. When unmotivated, take a break and rethink the whole process. Go back to the moment when the whole thing started and assess your position. Is it still what you signed up for? Is it actually what you were thinking? Are you working or volunteering with the right people? If the answer is yes to ALL the above then you should start billing phased goals, start basic and small, you don’t have to set exaggerated or unrealistic goals that lead to frustration and eventually to drop off the whole cause.

One thing I have found helpful when struggling with motivation is instead of using a big, long to-do list just picking the next thing I'm going to focus on and then once that is completed, finding a way to help myself feel accomplished - that might be checking something off my list or dancing to my favorite song. Enroll a co-worker in helping you feel accomplished - they can be a "Yeah, you've got this!" partner.

You definitely need to reward yourself and your team with phased achievements. A reward does never mean that we stop here, but at the same time, it’s a reminder that when there’s a will there’s a way, and small efforts along the way are the pieces that will complete the whole picture.

No matter what your level of experience or competence is, always seek support from those who know specific areas that help your ultimate goals. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and support, it’s actually proven that people around you will feel valued when you ask for their contribution and that will trigger creativity and innovation.

Some ways to get work started is to categorize and prioritize the tasks. What tasks are the most urgent AND important? Focusing only on the urgency can result in constant busywork and missed opportunities to get the mission critical/important tasks done. Questions to help prioritize urgent and important tasks: _ What tasks have hard deadlines coming up? _ If not completed, what tasks will put a major project, the mission, or the operations of the business at risk? _ Which tasks must be completed in order for other tasks to get done? _ Are there tasks that you have been avoiding that need your attention? (example: managing conflict between two employees which is negatively impacting the quality of services?)

Remember that great is the enemy of good. My dad used to always say, "Don't try to hit a home run everytime. Just get on first base and go from there." If you feel unmotivated, just take the first step needed to complete a task. It's surprising how easy it is to continue from there.

I learned this from my youngest, who is in his mid-20s now. Tell yourself, when the timer goes off, I'll do __________. Set the timer for 10 minutes. When it goes off, start the task you're feeling unmotivated about.