Motivational Schools has recently published an article with 10 suggestions to help you reconsider how you are managing your work and to motivate you to your best. The key: a bracing dose of self-awareness.

Use time to playful exploration

Limiting ourselves to do the tasks we are used to is rather easy. Nevertheless, getting out of the comfort zone by dedicating time to playful exploration and trying new things, may prove to be refreshing and can have a positive impact on your daily work

Acknowledge and appreciate the small steps of progress you make

Being self-aware of the progress you make might not always be easy, but makes you more productive. A good idea is to try looking at what you’ve been able to accomplish at the end of each day, and be aware that acknowledging even the smallest wins is very important.

In addition, consider adding mini celebrations to your routines, instead of just moving on to your next task. It will help you remain positive and boost your productivity.

Find meaning in your tasks and projects

Each task you do has a purpose and can enhance or reduce your happiness. If you are under the idea that a certain task has no purpose at all or means nothing to you, then you must find a way to stop doing it or get someone else to do it for you.  Not all tasks were created equal, so look for ways that your tasks and projects are helping you accomplish your bigger goals.

The idea is that by finding meaning in your tasks, you’ll do a better job and usually enjoy each task a lot more.

Find ways to deliver a smile

Connection is a big part of why you do what you do.  If you work hard on something and get a smile for doing so, that’s visual proof that your work matters.

So next time you have low energy while working on a task, see if you can try switching to a task that will help deliver a smile to a colleague, customer, or boss.  You’ll get a natural boost, and the next task will be easier to tackle.

Leverage your motivating triggers

Everyone has motivating triggers that can help them when they have to work really hard to achieve a goal. Discovering what is your trigger and using it on a daily basis is useful to boost your concentration more quickly and work more efficiently.

Schedule recharge breaks

Because your energy does not flow endlessly, a good idea is to schedule short periods of time to recharge it.  Most people hit their peak energy output about two hours after they wake up, and it lasts for about three hours.  Then their energy plummets, especially after lunch.

Scheduling short recharge breaks will help you keep a more consistent energy level, and will also help you avoid unhealthy snacking. Some suggestions are: taking a short walk, eating something healthy you like, etc.

Ask for help when you need it

Many people find it hard to ask for help. However, other people have skills that can help you accomplish more work and make your efforts more effective. And you must be aware of that.

Most people are actually happy to help and you can find more spare time to recharge energy or focus on the tasks you are most skilled at.

Flip the script

If there’s some task or project in your life that is troublesome, try finding a fresh way to tackle it.  It might take a few tries to find a better solution, but if you can find a way to enjoy a task that you dislike, you’ll be happier and so will the people around you.

Learn to avoid tasks that you do not enjoy

Simply learning to say “no” is one of the major components of doing more work that you love and creating a happier life in general.

If there’s a project that’s a bad fit for your skills, you need to figure out a way to say “no.”  The key here is to put your foot down without making the other person feel rejected. Everything is negotiable.  Be a creative problem solver and everyone wins.

Block out time to be in the zone

Getting in the zone quickly is one of the most important habits for highly effective workers.  If you can get your important work done early and efficiently, it leaves you time to relax or to test out new, creative ideas.