It’s perfectly human to have “off” days—those when you can’t help but feel distracted by every little thought or feeling that enters your mind, or when smaller, less important tasks suddenly seem necessary to complete immediately. It can be difficult to get into a state of deep focus or even to find a normal amount of motivation on days like these, which means your productivity and ability to get things done can drastically decrease.
Business leaders are no strangers to these kinds of off days, but thankfully the leaders of Young Entrepreneur Council have found a few solutions to recommend. Below, they each discuss one method they use to find their motivation for work even when they’re feeling distracted and how you can implement each tip to regain your own motivation.
1. Complete The Smallest Task You Can Do
I focus on the smallest task I can do at the moment. I find that when I finish a tiny task, it gives me a surge of motivation and interest that I can then use as momentum to keep going. Often, we get overwhelmed and distracted because a project or job seems too much to handle. Doing something small can make such projects seem easier to manage and lead you to completing them more easily. – Blair Williams, MemberPress
2. Dress The Part
When you’re stressed or distracted or just far from the put-together person you’d like to be, clothes and accessories can make a big difference. Wear your favorite outfit! Making an effort to dress up can make you feel organized and like you’re in control of your life. Plus, when you look the part you dream to be, it just gets you in the mood to hustle harder. – Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day
3. Get In Some Physical Activity
Engaging in physical activity can help boost motivation and productivity. Swimming, biking or running can help increase energy levels, improve mood and reduce stress. It is important to prioritize self-care in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance and increase motivation when you’re having an off day or are simply distracted by other thoughts or tasks. – Eddie Lou, CodaPet
4. Practice Mindfulness And Meditation
I practice meditation and mindfulness during my off days by focusing on my breath to quiet my thoughts and regain clarity. I’ve found that meditation goes a long way in alleviating distractions and enhancing concentration by subconsciously organizing your thoughts and eliminating unnecessary stress. This mental reset allows me to refocus on my work with renewed motivation and mental clarity. – Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz
5. Listen To Music
We all get distracted at some point or another. When that happens to me, I try to relax by listening to music. Music can help your brain release dopamine, which is popularly known as the “happy hormone.” It helps you reduce stress and boosts your focus. Any tired feelings I have disappear when I listen to music, so I can regain my focus and boost my productivity. – Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
6. Reward Yourself For Tasks Completed
When I’m distracted by my thoughts or other tasks, setting rewards for myself keeps me motivated. To focus on the task at hand, I give myself a treat once I’ve finished pending work. These rewards generally include activities like watching my favorite movie, going out with my best friend for a cup of coffee, dining at a fancy restaurant and so on, but you can choose what works best for you. – Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
7. Set A Strict Deadline
If there’s something I need to do and I’m not feeling very motivated, I find it’s helpful to set a strict timeline for doing it. If it’s a series of tasks, I create a list with deadlines for each item. It doesn’t matter if you write it down on a pad of paper or use an app. When you have a deadline, even if it’s self-imposed, you’re more inclined to work at it even if you don’t feel like it. – Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting
8. Take A Moment For Gratitude
When I’m feeling off, I tap into the power of gratitude. I take a moment to reflect on all the things I’m grateful for, both personally and professionally. It works wonders because it shifts my mindset from negativity to positivity. It reminds me of the opportunities I have, the progress I’ve made and the impact I can create. It reignites my motivation to tackle work with renewed energy. – Adam Preiser, WPCrafter
9. Read Inspiring Books Or Quotes
When I’m feeling unmotivated or distracted by other thoughts or tasks, one thing I do to find my motivation for work is to read inspiring books or search for motivational quotes online. This works well for me because these written words have a way of reigniting my passion, reminding me of the amazing journeys others have taken and giving me a sense of purpose. – Sujay Pawar, CartFlows
10. Take A Well-Deserved Nap
Sometimes I just need to take a power nap. Napping has been proven to refocus and unleash the brain’s natural energy, and it helps me finish the day strong. I like to nap between 20 to 40 minutes—any longer is too much. It’s an easy and natural way for me to boost my mood and energy without taking caffeine. Many CEOs don’t like taking breaks, but a nap is a perfect way to get motivated. – Shu Saito, SpiroPure