If you’re in sales or a similar occupation, set ambitious performance numbers. For example, try to increase your sales by 10% over the last quarter. If you’re at school, try to improve your grades. For example, if you’ve been making Cs on your chemistry exams, tell yourself you need to get an A. You’ll likely pay more attention in class. [2] X Research source
Visit your local community center and take a class or learn a new skill. This would also be a good opportunity for you to meet new people, outside of your normal crowd. Breaking up your monotony can give you a greater sense of fulfillment, pride and satisfaction. Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel uncomfortable at first, but it is worth it if you are trying to avoid feeling stuck in life. [3] X Expert Source Leah MorrisLife Coach Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
Create a spreadsheet of your sales numbers, projects completed, or similar metrics. Try putting together a work journal, where you can track your progress and write down any thoughts, ideas, challenges, or anything associated with your progress at work. Students can use their day planners to record grades, time spent studying, and other indicators of academic progress. [4] X Research source
Talk to a coworker or friend and try to set up periodic competitions. For example, see who can make the most sales in the month of February. Talk to your supervisor or office manager about instituting office competitions or games. Many offices like to institute a weight loss competition in January. [5] X Research source
Play some jazz or classical music at a low level in your office. Listen to a new radio station on the way to work. If you usually listen to current pop music station, try a jazz or country music station instead. [6] X Research source
Request a new office or cubicle. Work outside rather than in your home office. Try to get some work done at a coffee shop. [8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
Move your desk. For example, if your desk faces a wall, try to move it so you can see outside through a window. Change around accessories on your desk. For instance, move the positions of your stapler, paperweights, and other objects. Create a more informal feel in your workspace by adding a couch or beanbag chair. [9] X Research source
You may want to consider a new route even if it takes 5 or 10 minutes more. In the big scheme of things, a happier drive will put you in a better mood and will likely bolster your productivity. Avoid traffic if you can. Being stuck in traffic contributes to frustration and a helpless feeling. [10] X Research source
Complete tasks randomly. For instance, don’t perform tasks in a particular order at work, but instead complete tasks as they present themselves to you. Avoid sticking to a fixed schedule in everything you do. If you find yourself holding your pee to take a bathroom break at 11:15 every morning, you should consider changing up your schedule or embracing a more flexible one. Space out enjoyable or exciting things throughout the day, instead of doing them all at one time. For example, if you have to visit the warehouse, human resources, and another department during the day, try to take individual trips, rather than hitting them all at one time. [11] X Research source
Provide yourself with at least a five-minute break every hour. These breaks might be as simple as checking the weather. Try to get up and walk around every couple of hours. Even a small walk from your office to the water cooler may help. If you can’t spare too much break time, break your lunch break into multiple shorter breaks throughout the day. Depending on your age, job, and where you live, you may be legally entitled to a certain number of breaks during the day. [12] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
Talk to people you may otherwise take for granted. For example, if you stop at a fast food restaurant every morning for a cup of coffee, spark up a conversation with the cashier at the drive-through window. Compliment people you come into contact with. For example, tell the security guard at your building that they look sharp, tell the person in the cubicle next to you that you like their perfume or cologne, or let the server at lunch know that their service was exemplary. Try being nice to someone who is usually rude or mean to you. [13] X Research source
Help a new coworker who is struggling with some aspect of their work. Tutor a friend or classmate who needs extra help. Give a ride to someone whose car is in the repair shop.
Buy coffee for the person behind you at the coffee shop. Purchase lunch for a co-worker who is going through a hard time. Donate to a charity. Spend an hour after school or work volunteering at an animal shelter. [14] X Research source
