There is always one distraction or another that might keep you from fully engaging in your work. Now, since summer is coming to a close, it feels like time to get down to brass tacks. In reality, this is only the start to another downward slope through the fall and winter holiday seasons. So how do you keep your motivation high through the end of the year? Here are just a few practical tips.

So, how do you keep your motivation high through the end of the year? Here are a few practical tips.

Use Music as a Motivator

Might sound simple, but it works. When you’re feeling unmotivated, make yourself a playlist of upbeat music. Choose favorite songs that won’t distract you but have beats and lyrics that get your blood pumping. It works for going to the gym, so why not try it at work as well?

Push Yourself for 20 Minutes

No matter what the task, you can do it for 20 minutes at a time. When you find yourself procrastinating, try the 20-minute trick. Set a timer and work on your project for 20 minutes at a time. You may find that once you work for 20 minutes, you’re on a roll and can keep going. Otherwise, take a short break and start another 20-minute session.

Get Involved with Motivated People

Sometimes motivation comes from the company you keep. When you surround yourself with people who are positive and motivated, that can rub off on you. The same is true with negative influences, so swap out your inner circle with people who stay upbeat and motivated.

Learn Something New

Another way to keep yourself motivated throughout the year is to continuously learn new things. Challenge yourself to read a book a week or watch one TED Talk per day. Or, take a class that will help you advance your skills, knowledge, or career path. Success is all about continuously learning.

Don’t Make Excuses

Finally, whatever you’re doing to avoid work, stop doing that. Honestly, the worst thing you can do is make excuses for yourself. There are always reasons not to do something, but that doesn’t mean you can’t overcome them. When you stop making excuses for your behavior, you can pick up your motivation.

Are you looking for more ways to stay motivated through the fall and winter? Contact Harvard Resource Solutions, now hiring for jobs in Southeast Michigan, to learn more today.