Time to read: 1.07 minutes
Hey Rebels,
Last week, we talked about over-performance as a response to stress.
Today is "help, I can't get motivated" day.
We've established that we're living in stressful times. People have different responses to stress. That may even be true for the individuals who live under your roof. (Hello potential for conflict and more stress.) Or you may over-perform in some situations and under-perform in others. No judgment.
Uncertainty breeds stress, and stress breeds under-performance. (It also breeds over-performance which was the subject last week.)
Do these symptoms of under-performing feel familiar?
- Hiding
- Avoiding
- Becoming overwhelmed and freezing
- Numbing with substances, video games, Netflix
- Worried you'll make a mistake or say the wrong thing so you don't say or do anything at all
- Avoiding risks
- Not taking time for fun and joy
You can take simple steps to bust out of under-performing. Here are a few:
- Recognize when you have crossed the line from healthy rest and recuperation to hiding and avoiding. (Hint: Resting starts to become all night Netflix marathons.)
- Choose to rest and recharge. Sometimes a Netflix marathon is just what the doctor ordered. Make sure it's a choice, not a chance to hide.
- Take risks. Start small. Start with something that feels relatively easy and work up to bigger risks over time.
- Elevate the meaning and importance of your work. Focus on the big picture rather than the day-to-day details. When you are hooked into the importance of your work, it's easier to find motivation. (Remember: don't get seduced that "meaning" at work has to be grand like solving world hunger. Meaning can be as simple as creating something beautiful, the satisfaction of being part of a team, completing something, or helping your colleagues.)
- Get into action. Action breeds more action so take one small step. Do something that helps you move forward.
Under-performing holds you back from doing the work you are meant to do. We need you to show up and bring your gifts. It's going to take every single one of us to create the world we want.
I hope this helps.
With love,
Christina
P.S. Invite your friends and colleagues to join the fun by subscribing to the Corporate Rebel newsletter. Simply forward this blog and they can join here.