5 Bad Habits That Drain Your Work Motivation — and How to Change Them | Safe and Sound
Motivation is a crucial factor not only in performance but also in job satisfaction. However, some seemingly harmless habits can subtly erode enthusiasm, leading to feelings of discouragement and loss of focus. According to psychologists, identifying and changing these habits is the first step in regaining passion for work. Below are five common bad habits and how to overcome them to maintain strong work motivation.
Phi Thuy Linh | Bachelor of Public Health – Application of Safe and Sound Mental Health Care
Institute of Applied Medical Technology
1. Procrastination
Procrastination will overload you.
Procrastination is one of the most common habits that diminishes work motivation. Constantly postponing tasks leads to burnout and failure to meet deadlines. This results in feelings of guilt and lack of confidence, reducing work performance.
To break the habit of procrastination, you should start by creating a specific daily plan and breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. Applying the Pomodoro technique – working for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break – can help you focus better and reduce the pressure of tackling large tasks. If the root cause of procrastination stems from stress or fear of failure, seek help from a mental health professional to identify the cause and develop a strategy for overcoming it.
2. Setting unrealistic goals
Setting goals that are too high for your capabilities can easily lead to disappointment and a loss of motivation when you don't achieve the desired results. This can also make you feel more stressed and discouraged.
Instead of setting unrealistic goals, set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and have clear deadlines. Break down large goals into smaller steps to easily track progress and maintain motivation. Additionally, if you find it difficult to set appropriate goals, you can seek advice from a psychologist or mental health professional to help you understand your personal capabilities and find the right direction.
3. Lack of time management skills
Not knowing how to prioritize tasks or spending too much time on unimportant things diminishes motivation. You easily fall into the trap of wasting time and feeling like things are out of control.
Wasting time is a habit that diminishes work motivation.
To improve your time management skills, start using tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion to organize your tasks. You should also prioritize tackling the most challenging tasks at the beginning of the day when you have more energy. If you feel tired or lost, mental health professionals can help you develop a more scientific and effective work strategy.
4. Comparing yourself to others.
Constantly comparing your achievements to others not only creates pressure but also diminishes self-confidence. You might feel "not good enough," leading to feelings of inferiority and a lack of motivation.
Focus on your own progress instead of paying too much attention to the success of others. Evaluating achievements based on your own efforts and abilities will help you feel more satisfied and confident. If you still struggle to escape the pressure of comparison, seek help from mental health professionals to learn how to build self-esteem and a positive mindset, helping you develop yourself without being negatively affected by unnecessary comparisons.
5. Neglecting physical and mental health.
Neglecting self-care, overwork, or lack of sleep are major factors affecting motivation. When the body is tired, it's difficult to maintain focus and enthusiasm for work.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most effective way to overcome this. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to exercise. In addition, practicing mindfulness such as meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve focus. If you frequently feel exhausted, consulting a mental health professional will help you understand the causes and find suitable ways to improve your situation.
6. The importance of support from a mental health professional.
Psychologists not only help you identify bad habits but also assist in developing effective methods for change. With their expertise, they can provide the right tools and techniques to help you overcome difficulties and regain motivation.
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Changing bad habits isn't easy, but with the support of mental health professionals, you can absolutely improve and maintain a positive work attitude in the long term.
Bad habits can subtly but profoundly diminish work motivation. However, by identifying and changing them, you can absolutely regain your enthusiasm and effectiveness at work. Don't hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals to develop a clear and sustainable path to change.
Start making changes today and feel the difference in your life and work!
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See more:
6 ways to maintain motivation in work and life?
Why do we procrastinate and what should we do about it? An explanation from a psychologist (Part 1)
