There is More to Motivation Than Meets the Coffee
The stress of unemployment can really take a toll on ones confidence and state of mind. For some individuals, it could lead to depression, for others - a mere lack of motivation and feeling of hopelessness. Employment is one of the main structures that helps individuals in our society to feel positive, develop financial independence, as well as establish hope for the future.
Even for those with jobs, motivation is a hard state to attain and maintain. Businesses are losing thousands of hours' worth of productivity each year - with staff being distracted from their jobs by everything from 'cyber-surfing to taking 5 coffee breaks a day (which by the way may leave you broke considering the raise in recent coffee prices).
In a recent survey conducted by silicon.com, results found that "While cyber-loafing was identified by 23 per cent of respondents as the main obstacle to a productive workforce, 'low staff morale and lack of motivation' was identified by 32 per cent of respondents."
So, besides the short-term benefits of early morning coffee consumption, what are some alternatives to getting motivated for work?
Stimulate your mind and your mouth
It has been proven time and time again that having breakfast in the morning gives you a nutritional boost both physically and mentally. But what about emotionally - can breakfast alone be enough to get you motivated for your day? Getting your day off on the right start doesn't mean walking into your office on a full stomach. It means walking in on a full stomach and a full set of ideas.
Participating in mental activities like doing a crossword puzzle or meditating can really sharpen your mind within a short period of time. If neither exercises appeal to you, then pick up the newspaper or read a book that is relevant to your line of work. By doing so, you may be able to get fresh new ideas for your business, or learn more about new industry trends.
You've got mail! Get your daily dose of wisdom
My favorite time of the day is when I get inspirational quotes in my inbox. You can subscribe to a few inspirational newsletters by browsing the Web. My personal favorite is the John Baines Forum (www.ihpny.org). The minute I finish reading them, I instantly feel a powerful connection between my mind and spirit - the 2 most essential ingredients for outer productivity and inner happiness.
Get outside the (office) box
Ever heard of the phrase "Being so close to the forest that you can't see the trees"? Well, a lot of times people experience this in their work environments - and rightfully so! Your environment determines your level of productivity and it is not always easy to see the trees (ideas) when you are always in the forest (office). Some times the best remedy is getting outside the box - I mean, office. If you have a meeting in your office with a client, see if you can rearrange it to your favorite neighborhood café instead. Not only does this provide a more relaxed setting for both individuals, but also allows you to connect more on a human level.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with your time and energy, turn off you computer, take a walk outside, and breathe deeply. If this doesn't help, see if there are any seminars or roundtables you can attend that week on time management and fatigue.
Start your week with a weekly report
Whether you have a job or not, the most important thing to do before your "work week" starts is writing down all the goals you have for that week. Make sure to put a specific timeline on completing your goals. That way, you will be accountable to yourself if you miss your deadline. Set aside punishments and rewards to keep yourself in check.
I personally like to print my weekly report and tape it to my desk so it is always in front of me. Always have a highlighter right next to you so that when you finish, you mark off what you have completed. If you are computer savvy, you may use programs like ACT or Outlook.
In sum, true motivation lies within your heart. If you cannot find it there, it may be because you lack the resources, techniques, and appropriate environment that is conducive to your personal productivity. If these resources are aligned properly, not only will you be able to reach your highest levels of motivation, you may be able to reduce your monthly spending habits at your local Starbucks!
Dali Singh is the Managing Director for Blueliner Marketing (www.bluelinermarketing.com), a full-service marketing and communications firm. Dali is also a member of the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy, a spiritual school that provides tools to assist people in developing themselves on a personal and practical level. Visit www.ihpny.org or sign up for weekly inspirational quotes at http://www.ihpny.org/template.asp?page=mailing.
Latest News
 Chicago Tribune | Obama happy as a 9-to-5 temp Los Angeles Times, CA - On Friday, he made time to leave the office briefly to pick up a corned beef sandwich and some cherry pie from Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli, a favorite spot ... Video: Raw Video: Obama Grabs Lunch at Chicago Landmark At Manny's Deli in Chicago, President-elect Barack Obama is served ... Obama enjoying time as Chicago homebody |
 New York Times | Across France, Cafe Owners Are Suffering New York Times, United States - Marco Mayeux, 42, the bartender of Le Relais, a Paris cafe in the 18th Arrondissement, said the ban alone had cut his coffee and bar business by 20 percent. ... Plight in France: Au revoir, petit café? |
 WHDH-TV | Dog hits controls, drives van into coffee house The Associated Press - JAMES, NY (AP) — A dog left inside a running van put the vehicle in drive, causing it to crash into a Long Island coffee house. Suffolk County police said ... Dog rolls van through St. James coffee shop window Dog Crashes Van Into Coffee House Dog drove van through coffee shop window |
 The Associated Press | Amsterdam moves to close a fifth of 'coffee shops' The Associated Press - More than a quarter of the country's coffee shops are in Amsterdam, where they are a major tourist attraction. Amsterdam spokeswoman Iris Reshef said the ... Dutch "coffee shop" debate: will closing only shift drug traffic? Amsterdam's pot cafes ordered to close Topic: Amsterdam closing 20% of coffee shops (Read 34 times) |
Lowndes, Coffee advance in playoffs Moultrie Observer, GA - Top-ranked Lowndes and Coffee advanced to the third round with easy Friday night victories. The Vikings blasted Bradwell Institute 62-21 and will advance to ... CLASS AAAAA: Camden County rallies to win Region teams seeking another playoff sweep |
Cup of coffee soothes The Saginaw News - MLive.com, MI - Despite the economic tumble affecting the country, sales are rising like steam coming off a fresh cup of coffee. ''We are very affordable, and that's what ... |
Dog Drives Van Into Coffee House North Country Gazette, NY - SUFFOLK COUNTY—No charges were filed against the driver of a van which ran into a coffee house Wednesday. The operator of the van was a dog named Bentley. ... Now is the time for change on the Island |
Jefferson coffee shop brews 'Obama' blend Dailyrecord.com, NJ - Brewed cups of the Longfellow's Coffee Obama Blend are sold at the two Longfellow's Coffee stores in northern New Jersey: one on Rout 23 in Kinnelon and the ... |
5 hurt as truck rams QC coffee shop Inquirer.net, Philippines - By Nancy C. Carvajal MANILA, Philippines--An out-of-control six-wheeled truck rammed into a coffee shop after hitting several cars parked in front of the ... |
Plum planning commission approves coffee shop Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - By Kristie Linden Plans for the Plum Daily Grind coffee shop are really percolating now that the borough planning commission has approved the site plan. ... |
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