This pandemic has turned our reality upside down, which certainly includes our work life–whether that be as a student, mother, and/or working professional. Some are working longer and harder than ever while others have nothing to do. Some actually prefer working and schooling from home and others feel they are losing their minds. Some find greater meaning and purpose, empowered to serve and keep the ship afloat.
On the other hand, a great deal are finding it hard to care, feeling disengaged and unmotivated. If you’re having trouble caring about the work you even once enjoyed, please know you are not alone. Many are struggling with apathy, meaninglessness or a sense of futility–even with the work they once found fulfilling. It’s natural to feel you have no control. Helplessness is the great de-motivator. So let’s remember what the Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl wisely said,
“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.”
Step one for awakening greater motivation is identifying where we have control. And that can start with self understanding. When we unpack how we might be impacted by all that comes with the corona crisis, we begin to climb the ladder of our power. Here are some common explanations for why so many are caring less about work these days. Take a look and see if any might be affecting your desire to engage.
Sudden reminder of mortality, facing an existential crisis of sorts.
Thinking more big picture, about legacy perhaps, making the details of work or school feel trivial.
Work is at a stand still, no ability to make a difference or effect change.
Sick or caring for someone sick, pushing work or school lower down the priority list.
New (perhaps overwhelming) responsibilities at home, e.g., homeschooling, cleaning, parenting.
Missing activities that inspire or energize, like sports, concerts, working out, time with family, spiritual gatherings, social connection, etc.
Loss of identity and the external rewards that work can bring.
Fear and anxiety, especially when it reaches into what’s going to be in the future.
Once you’ve reflected on what might be affecting your lack of motivation, take a deep breath and see what it’s like to name it, to understand yourself in the present moment. This can help us feel in the center of ourselves from which we can draw strength for moving up and ahead. Here are some suggestions to consider next:
Your Best Is ENOUGH: Don’t Judge Yourself
Beating ourselves up about not being at full capacity only deflates us. It’s cruel and illogical. Everyone’s motivation and capacity are compromised right now. You might find it hard to concentrate, that you need more frequent breaks, that you are often interrupted. Do not judge, shame or put extra pressure on yourself. Quite the contrary, take a deep breath and accept yourself right where you are. As Monica Berg suggests in her blog about homeschooling, “Aim to do what you can. Give it your best, and then let it go.” Please remember, our best changes moment to moment.
Stay In The Present: Be meticulous about your thoughts
Most of our negative thoughts come from regretting the past or worrying about the future. We learn from Kabbalist, Rav Ashlag, that the only point in time we have the agency to reveal light and blessings, to make a difference, to manifest the best possible outcome, resides in the very present moment– each moment likened to an empty basket right in front of us. Whatever we choose to put in that basket becomes our future. An empty basket is the most dangerous of all.
Practices that help us stay in the present, as accessible as one cleansing breath or one delicious affirmation, are more important than ever. One of my favorite tools for keeping my thoughts positive is filling my mind with elevated and inspiring wisdom. I study from ancient texts and when my mind begins to worry or judge, about myself or others, I refer to the inspiring wisdom I recently studied and my reality improves.
Turn Self Care on High
Select those activities, thought patterns, habits and people that help bring you up. Do what you can given the restraints, but most importantly put your own well being on your radar. I have personally chosen sobriety from social media because it helps reduce my tendency to compare and feel like I’m not doing or being enough. Others are deciding it’s a good time to reduce alcohol intake (of course there are plenty who are doing the opposite). See this previous blog for a link to a list of resources.
Reestablish Your Why: Shift From External to Internal Motivation
We all have two parts of us, two forces that impact our desire: External and Internal. External motivation is driven by a desire for an outcome, a reward–and it’s usually something we want short term. This could be money or praise, respect or social approval. Without “going to work,” coupled with tremendous uncertainty, many have fewer external rewards coming their way.
This era of Covid19 presents us with a great opportunity to build our muscle for the internal driver we all possess. When we are operating from an internal desire we are excited about growing stronger, learning through adversity, living congruently. During this time when work can feel hard to care about, pick a reason that doing your best will serve how you feel within yourself.
Listen for Messages of Change: “It took a pandemic to...”
What a time for self reflection! I love asking my clients and my loved ones how they would complete this sentence stem, “It took a pandemic to …? If you are finding yourself less motivated, not only might the cause be something temporary and external as the pandemic is presenting. It’s possible that there is a call for change that would be a lost opportunity if not given attention. Maybe it’s taking a pandemic to: let go of the need for outside approval, to break up with your boyfriend, to throw those pills down the toilet, or spend more time with your family. Perhaps it took a pandemic to: ask for forgiveness, move back home, deepen your spirituality, or get more sleep. Whatever it is, the messages are there for us all, if we get quiet and listen.
