We have been speaking to lots of leaders since the lockdown started and whilst most, if not all, stated that the initial effect of lockdown created a modern sense of “Dunkirk spirit” within their businesses, many are now saying that its getting increasingly difficult to either motivate their team or themselves. So how do we keep the motivation levels up at the moment? Well our first tip comes straight from the flight safety instruction manual.
Look after yourself before you look after others!
The following are 8 ways which people have said keep them happy and positive.
- Write.
Many people find that recording their happy moments or successes significantly helps. Firstly, the act of writing the moments down and later reading them is uplifting.
2. Learn from the past mistakes but do not dwell on them.
Concentrate on the future; you can still change that! But likewise, do not repeat the same mistakes you made in the past. The important word in the title is “learn”.
3. Do good deeds.
Try to do something nice for someone else every day, it may not pay the mortgage but it makes you feel good. An added advantage is that it makes them feel good too!
4. Find a hobby.
It’s not all work, work, work. Hobbies keep you busy and are a great source of happiness. They also often widen your social circle as well.
5. Avoid negative self-feedback.
Your conscious brain responds to what your unconscious mind tells it, and this includes the attitude and emotion you say it with. If you tell yourself you are going to have a bad day, you will. So, avoid ‘negatives from your subconscious. Try to ignore them and actively delete them.
6. Try to set achievable goals that provide measurable progress
Setting a big goal is great and is full of strategic thinking. Breaking this goal down into bite sized pieces will help you to feel that you are achieving. Its also worthwhile recognising and celebrating the achievement of these “bite sized” goals.
7. Keep a ‘have done’ list.
This overcomes the feeling of helplessness of the never-ending ‘to do’ list.
8. Don’t forget the benefits of a good night’s sleep, and if you find sleep difficult because you are upset try daydreaming yourself to sleep.
Add to this four key questions / actions for real affect.
- What do I need to do more of?
- What do I need to start doing?
- What do I need to do less of?
- What do I need to stop doing?
If you want to find out how we have helped other leaders and their businesses succeed please click here