Motivation: it might not seem like you have any right now, but there is obviously something that keeps pushing us toward the end of the semester.
What is it for you? Whether it’s a passion for your major and career aspirations or simply a fear of your parents finding out you wasted precious tuition dollars, knowing your source of motivation is vital. If you have a larger purpose in mind, the minutiae and the day-to-day challenges become meaningful. This process is one of the most important things you can do for your productivity, creativity and overall happiness.
In “Managing the New Careerist,” an old book with a still-relevant message by C. Brooklyn Derr, the author explains several different careerists based on what they’re motivated by. They include: getting ahead, which represents people who are motivated by upward mobility and power; getting secure, which represents people who seek predictability and comfort; getting free, which represents people who want autonomy and free reign; getting high, which represents people who want to feel engaged, creative and challenged; and getting balanced, which represents people who are motivated by finding balance between their work and other aspects of their lives.
No one type is better than another, and, for many people, life phases will require sliding between these different types. Still, knowing what motivates you now and identifying with a type can help you to go forward productively and with purpose. Many times, you just need to see your feelings written out and know you are not alone in your motivations and desires.
No matter what type you are, I want to prescribe some general tips for finding meaning in the mundane and recognizing the significance of the small pieces that make up your overall purpose.
1. Write a purpose statement. Dwell on exact points of focus, just like a business would. What exactly do you want, and what are you currently doing to get there? Taking time to actively focus on a purpose statement and then writing it down will make you much more mindful of its significance, which will make dedication to the purpose much easier.
2. Now, zoom in, and make goals for each week (or each day, if you are especially neurotic). Posting “weekly wishes” on blogs has become increasingly popular, and for good reason. Sitting down at the beginning of the week and mapping out your goals in doable chunks is good for your productivity and creativity. You know what to focus on, you know how it fits into the big picture and you have a plan to move forward.
3. Make a “done” list at the end of each day. I look for any excuse to make lists, but this idea is brilliant. At the end of your day, jot down a list of everything you accomplished that day. It can be as professional or as personal as you want. Either way, it’s good for your mental state and gives you the optimism to tackle the next day’s tasks and challenges.
While my focus here has been on individuals, most of these tips could also assist in helping groups, organizations and teams function better. We could all benefit from a little more purpose and a plan to stay optimistic and productive through these last crazy weeks of the semester.
