A leader's job is to stay focused on the big picture and continually inspire their teams to meet their goals. But what happens when you're stuck in a rut and can't even inspire yourself, let alone your colleagues?
When you notice yourself falling into a professional slump, that's the time to hit pause and take a step back so you can get your creativity flowing again. But in the busy and demanding world of tech, it's often difficult to find the time to slow down. Try these quick and easy tips from members of the Forbes Technology Council to get your motivation and productivity back on track.
1. Practice Self Care
Go back to the basics. How much time are you spending with loved ones? Are you getting up early and doing some form of exercise? Our brains are mostly fat and water, so think about how much water you are drinking during the day. A good litmus test is the color of your urine. If it isn’t clear, burn out is near. - Matthew Barlocker, Blue Matador
2. Change Your Environment
Learn to take a step back, rest, change the environment and think about the issues from a different perspective. The best ideas to solve the more complex work problems came to me while I’m outside of the office, usually drinking a glass of good red wine, with a good company, staring at the horizon and discussing the future. - Dr. Karin Lachmi, Bioz
3. Remember What Makes You Happy About Work
While it's common to want to look outside yourself when reflecting on why you feel unmotivated, consider starting inward first. What excites you about your day-to-day? What work do you enjoy? What types of projects or environments drive you? Once you've determined that, examine your work to ensure that it is meeting your level of expertise to avoid boredom or frustration. - David Isaac Murray, Doctor.com
4. Read An Inspiring Book
Reading books about successful people always seems to get me out of my rut. Find some motivating business books and start reading a few of them to help motivate you again. Before you know it, you'll be inspired to continue pushing forward. - Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster
5. Meditate
It's easy as an entrepreneur to be caught in the hustle. Demands from employees, clients and vendors all need your attention and it can seem that there aren't enough hours in the day. While you're accountable to these competing stakeholders, take time for yourself. I set aside time every day to meditate and quietly reflect. I emerge energized, refreshed and ready for the next challenge. - Marc Fischer, Dogtown Media LLC
6. Talk To Your Customers
Generally, I've found that it is refreshing to speak to your customers because they add different perspectives and cause you to think about their problems. Speaking with customers can also place a sense of urgency and force you to become productive. - Mike Schmidt, Dovetale, Inc
7. Launch A New Team Initiative
Find motivation with your team by creating a new project or goal, whether it’s improving a KPI or developing new ones. For tech specifically, try out some new technology for a few days — even if it turns out to be throwaway code. Spontaneous team-building outings can also help to motivate yourself and your team. - Pin Chen, ONTRAPORT
8. Prioritize Your Tasks According To The Big Picture
As CTO, there’s always a million constraints on my time, and looking holistically at the bigger picture helps me see the day's most pertinent tasks. I focus on these high-priority items, and that often leads to increased motivation and drive. If that doesn't work, I recommend briefly separating from work entirely and coming back to it only once you’ve had time for your mind to decompress. - Adam Rogers, Ultimate Software
9. Connect With People Outside Your Industry
If you feel stuck or unmotivated, the best you can do is to unplug yourself and get outside the tech and do what you love. Talking about this with your peers and colleagues can help you a lot, too. You may be amazed at how fast you will be inspired and motivated again just by discussing it with people who might feel the same way. - Ivailо Nikolov, SiteGround
10. Explore Interests Unrelated To Work
Browse your newsfeed for something that's not related to your work but is interesting. Peruse a magazine rack or attend an event or session that is for a topic that's new. Invite someone you haven’t spent time with lately out for coffee or lunch. Go for a run to clear your head. Any of these “routine busters” provide your mind some time and space away for reflection that can help break through a rut. - Kerry Bianchi, Visto
11. Tackle A Hands-On Project
Take time to write a script or log on to a server, router or firewall. Whatever your technical background is, use that. I find it very helpful for those that come from a technical background to get their hands on the keyboard to check, configure, or write simple programs. Sometimes when you start to lead people, there’s less and less time for going back to your roots. - Mohamad Zahreddine, TrialAssure
12. Speak With An Executive Coach
Executive coaching, preferably with a one-on-one coach, is one of the least used tools by leaders. Tech leaders are generally driven individuals and if you find yourself in a rut, then you may simply want to talk through your situation with somebody who can relate to your challenges and has been in your shoes. - Vivek Agarwal, XTIVIA, Inc.
13. Reflect On How Far You've Come
Tech leaders are often in the position that they've always dreamed of, but with all the hustle it's easy to forget what you have achieved and the impact you have made. Once you connect back to that, talk to people and see the positive impact you made with your contributions. It fills you up with a new perspective and energy to find the motivation that started it all. - Anushk Mittal, Memeois
