Dear Dr. Mimi: Becoming Motivated

Dear Dr. Mimi:
When the weekend is over, I find myself dreading the start of the workweek. I feel like I am in a rut and not going anywhere. As a result, I am doing my job, but barely. I know this is not healthy, but I am really beginning to not care. How can I change my attitude before it gets me in trouble?
—Unmotivated

Dear Unmotivated:
If you are unproductive or your work quality is questionable, chances are you will be stuck in this rut or the company may decide it is time for you to go. Talk with your supervisor regarding adding more challenging duties, or volunteer for special projects when available. Look for ways to improve your current position, or streamline your tasks to be more efficient. Take some time to determine if there is any part of your job or your organization that still motivates and inspires you. Reflect on what originally drew you to your current job. Are there other departments that hold more appeal to you? Ask yourself if your work is just a job, a calling or a career. Consider whether your primary focus is financial reward or career advancement. If you concentrate on doing your best at your current position, you will increase your opportunity for a promotion or even a lateral move to a position that is more to your liking.
—Dr. Mimi


Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Backup

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss favors another employee and schedules them for more shifts. We are on the same skill level and have had the same training, but I am being treated like a “backup” for them. I am afraid to bring this up to my manager for fear that they will reprimand or even fire…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overworked Student

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I am a working college student, and my company is supposed to be accommodating to students’ schedules. However, my boss keeps asking me to come into work at times she knows that I have classes or study groups. I have tried to make this issue known to her, but she keeps dismissing me.…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them?—Frustrated Dear Frustrated,It can be tricky working with new employees. If you think they are…