3 Ways to Stay Motivated Professionally During the Pandemic

During a global pandemic, what has kept me motivated has morphed as it continues. I always start to proactively internalize. I don't want to wait to be motivated. It starts with self-awareness. Whom do I want to be every day at work, followed by belief, and action.

1. Self-awareness:

I'm working from home. I don't have every move being watched by my manager. It shouldn't matter. I have a choice each day to be productive—or not. I need an entrepreneurial mindset. My self-awareness starts with being the person I want me to be and not waiting for my manager to drive my performance. I want to be a go-to leader, a strong business partner, and a consummate learner who gets the job done.

2. Belief:

I must believe I'm going to make a difference. This is all about attitude. It's not easy with all the many worries we have on our plate—only intensified with the pandemic. I can slog through my day looking at the clock inching toward 5:00 PM or I can start to plan out what I can do to make that difference. I know if I do my job well, I'm contributing to the company's success in some small way. It's not easy, but the positive mindset that I believe I'm making a difference is a conscious daily choice.

3. Action:

I can say I'm self-aware and believe I'll make a difference but it's meaningless until I act. Taking the action is doing what needs to be done. As obvious as this sounds, we all want to be successful. We want to get promoted, get recognized, or whatever else drives us individually. We have wishes, but we don't get there with just luck. We create our own luck with action. Make that call you've been putting off. Connect with that person you want to network with. Get that tough feedback you don't want to hear from your mentor. Join Toastmasters (shameless plug). Your actions will drive your success.