Having a sense of purpose

Do you ever have a day when you can't really get into the mood; where you can't really be bothered ?

You know, where you fiddle about, make a coffee, shuffle a few things around, make another coffee, sit staring out the window or even worse - at the Motivation poster on the wall.

We all have days like that.

But some people are better at resisting the temptation to do nothing and are not easily distracted from their work whilst others just find it too easy to amuse themselves with little distractions.

I think pretty much everyone is susceptible to the odd day, where they can't get going.

If you notice that you are having one of those days, how do you snap out of it ?

Do you have any little tricks to jump-start your mind, to give you that energy lift to get stuck into something more meaningful ?

I was recently discussing this problem with the managing director of a business which employs about 100 employees. He was saying that he sometimes has to remind his staff that they are at work and should keep focussed and be diligent at all times. I asked him if he ever had days like that. He admitted that he did. I couldn't hold back a wry smile. I admitted that I do too. Sometimes, when I'm faced with a boring task, the prospect of a coffee and a chat can be more appealing.

The thing is this: very few people can keep going at 100% all day, every day.

As long as you know what you are trying to achieve. What your purpose is and you are mindful of what needs to be done, I think you can afford yourself a degree of balance.

I was once asked a question that I have since adopted. I believe it is a most important question that I should be continually asking myself. It is this:

"What is the most important thing I can do, right now,                                    to help achieve my ambition."

Knowing your purpose, setting yourself objectives, monitoring your performance and being realistic about your progress - I believe these are all critical to success.

If you have established yourself this framework and you understand my question, you can regulate your activity and keep in perspective the odd quiet day or indeed, use this thought-process to energise yourself, giving you a sense of purpose, to do something right now that will help you to achieve your ambition.