What To Do When You Lack Focus

It can happen to anyone. Maybe you’re a long-time contributor at an organization, working at a job you once loved. After a while you may find yourself in a rut, having to deal with new objectives and expectations, or just craving some slack-off time. When your work ethic is going down the tubes, there are some ways to get it back: 

Eat the Frog First. It makes sense to prioritize your work in terms of most important to least important, but before you get down to business take one more look. Pick out the least appealing task and do that one first. Swallowed whole, when you “eat the frog” first, you take off your plate the task that is most taxing to your energy. If you leave it last on the list, the mere anticipation of having to do it will be draining to you…all day long. Not very conducive to being productive! 

Engage in an activity you like. When you’re frustrated by work responsibilities, participate in an activity you really enjoy in your free time. Identify what it is about that activity that differs from your work tasks. See how you can create a similar landscape at work-- how can you model a work task after a hobby in order to make it more pleasant? 

Vent. Just not at the office. Find a trusted friend or family member and air your grievances. See how much better you feel after taking a load off. After you’ve relayed all the sources of your ire, maybe they won’t seem as important or their control over your situation will have less influence.  

Remember your value. Take a look at past performance reviews, self-evaluations, certificates or awards you’ve received, even thank you notes. Take note of the strengths you possess, as identified by these documents. Identify how you will use these strengths at the office in the new week.

Ask a coworker how you can help. A sure-fire way to get yourself out of a funk is to put the focus on someone else. Approach a coworker and offer your assistance. Gain some insight into how he or she gets work done. See what new methods you can adopt in your own work. 

Take a peek at the grass on the other side. Indulge yourself-- check out job descriptions. Read employee reviews of the companies. Does the grass actually seem greener on the other side and could you imagine yourself working there? Make a pros and cons list for staying and going. See if your current place of employment measures up. (If it does not, that’s a whole other article.) 

--Victoria Crispo, Dec 2014 Career Coach