Hustling isn’t the Answer to a Lack of Motivation
Recently, I had one of those days where I just felt BLAH. Adam Grant identified "languishing" for us all back in 2021 and every once in a while, despite the lack of pandemic, I experience a spell of languishing. I wasn't overly tired, I was sleeping ok-ish, I was motivated enough to move my body and get some work done, but I wasn't in the mood to create or really interact much.
Adam Grant validated that this is pretty common for most of us. I believe it's just part of being human. But we do have control over what we choose to DO when we experience this... and most of us choose wrong.
When we hit these periods of stagnation, many of us will try to kick into hyper-hustle mode - this is what society and the corporate/startup worlds have taught us. Just get over it and work harder. Eat the frog, set micro-goals and do something small, change your environment, use a Pomodoro timer, etc.
When I feel apathetic, I do NONE of those things. I rest. and then I Play. So very many professionals' first response to this is "Well, I don't have time for that". But you're WRONG.
I spent several hours resting and playing and then I returned to myself, my work, and my to-do list. And I CRANKED IT OUT. Crushed it. Slayed, as the kids say.
I had renewed inspiration and motivation. My productivity increased along with my satisfaction with my work.
If I had just pushed through my languish, sure, I would've gotten some things done, but on the other side, I would've been more tired, and I seriously doubt the products of my work would've been very good. I would've been three steps closer to burnout and possibly giving up. But after rest and play, I was three steps closer to balance and thriving.
The takeaway here isn't just about overcoming a temporary slump; it's about fundamentally rethinking how we respond to our body's and mind's signals.
So much power lies in integrating flexibility, autonomy, and playfulness into our professional lives. These aren't just niceties; they're necessities for sustaining long-term productivity and well-being.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling 'blah' or languishing, remember that it might just be your need for a refreshing pause. Give yourself permission to rest and play. It might feel like a detour, but it is likely to be the shortest path back to your best self.