Motivation: when that meter runs dangerously low.
I wish I had an endless supply of constant motivation but the truth is that it waxes and wanes. I often find myself in different seasons of motivation; sometimes so full to the brim and other times, so meagerly scraping by. But one thing remains constant is that when I put forth a little effort on my end, it can spur an uptick of motivation in my professional life. Here are some tips that help me to reignite a passion in my professional life.
Listening to webinars, attending a (virtual) conference, or thumbing through professional journals and magazines. These sort of things usually are good at bringing the newest, best and brightest right to inbox. And often, with limited work on my part. These things are really good at getting your attention and keeping it. It’s like a goodie bag of interesting topics that often highlights advances and overall knowledge in a specific area of expertise.
Connecting with colleagues and others within my specialty. Creative people inspire me. Think-outside-the box people inspire me. Early-adopters inspire me. Hard working people inspire me. What kind of people inspire you to be a better version? Truth to told, I like to keep these people close in hopes they rub off on me. Nowadays, it seems like it is easier to connect with others online through social media platforms. Scrolling through and engaging with colleagues online has the potential to open up ideas, expands limits and push processes of thought in directions that I never could have envisioned on my own.
Pushing aside the distractions and focusing on the basics. The basics of what I do is connecting and listening to patients in order to offer a workable solution. It’s when I push aside the never ending to-do list in my personal and professional life, that I come back to the basics of why I do what I do. The phone calls, the bills, the schedules, etc-these are just detractors when I carry them around in my head all day. Yes, those things have to get done and they will, but do they need to be on my mind all day like a ticker tape? No. When they are, I’m not present, and I’m distracted and I lose sight and lose motivation.
Exploring a new venture. This could potentially take up many forms. Last year, I started writing about topics of interest which coincide with both my professional and personal life. This soon led to me creating a website and the occasional blog post. It mostly just stemmed from a difficult season where my motivation wained; I decided to make an effort to find outlets of creativity while exploring and combining a few of my passions. Think of this as a side hustle, like photography, research, cooking, consulting, etc. The point is to find ways to coincide professional and personal passions.
Volunteering your expertise and skill. Especially if your in healthcare, you more than likely find helping others to be rewarding. Giving of your time in the form of your skill, for no other benefit but to help others in need, can rekindle a passion that can sometimes get drenched in the daily goings of routine and habit.
Reevaluating the why. Perhaps, asking why motivation is a struggle can help uncover a greater passion or change in a new direction. Either answer, whether it allows for a greater motivation in your current profession or a greater motivation to pursue a different endeavor-can be a win.
Lastly, it’s ok if motivation is a struggle. There are seasons where its just plain difficult. Sometimes these seasons are brief but other times longer lasting; however, there is hope in the ebb and flow, as it’s a dynamic process. Making an effort to renew enthusiasm, no matter how small or big, is a step towards discovery and assurance.
Stay Happy and Healthy!
Dr. Jen Wademan
