Tipsheet: Summer Motivation

Summer Motivation

Have you ever found yourself becoming less motivated – and
perhaps a bit less productive – during the summer? It isn’t surprising: great
weather, outdoor activities, and more social time all conspire to have us think
beyond the job. Yet to be successful, especially in a tough economy, requires
both focus and productivity. Here are some ideas that can help:

From a personal perspective:

1) Recognize that when others are taking it easy, doing great
work can distinguish you.
2) Don’t use to-do lists: instead, schedule activities directly into a timeslot
in your calendar.
3) Take on a special summer project – maybe something that you’ve been meaning
to do, but there hasn’t been time – except for now.
4) Use the summer for professional development – either formal training, or
perhaps reading some of the latest business best-sellers.
5) Do the planning for a fall project. It’s much easier when the pressure is
off.
6) Take some time to recharge – a vacation will do wonders for your energy level
– and your state of mind.

If you manage other people:

1) Manage your staff to their goals and objectives, to help keep
their eye on the ball.
2) Use the summer months for team-building and relationship building; a summer
social activity, formal team-building activities, etc.
3) Reward individuals with recognition for excellent performance.
4) Empower a special project team with an end-of-summer deadline.
5) Arrange for a secondment for employees to another department  – and take
someone else into yours.  
6) Model the behavior you want in others: be a great example for those around
you.

This week’s action plan: Choose one
"extra" thing that you would like to accomplish this summer, then put
it in your calendar. Not only will it improve your productivity, but because it
is an activity of your own choosing, it will also improve your motivation.

Bonus Tip: As individuals, we can also choose
to be productive and motivated beyond the work day: choose one "extra"
personal activity that you would like to accomplish before the season changes.
Accomplishing goals both at work and at home is what gives us Life Balance – and
also what gives us motivation each summer.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news
to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

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Randall Craig has founded several successful start-ups, held a long-time position at a “big-four” consulting firm, and was an executive at an American public company. He currently serves as the 108 ideaspace CEO and chief strategist. Randall has been advising on digital strategy since 1994: he put the Toronto Star online, the Globe and Mail’s GlobeInvestor/Globefund, several financial institutions, and about 100+ other major organizations.

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