Question: I am a senior manager at a global financial institution undergoing massive layoffs, and my own job will end in a few months. How can I stay motivated at work during the time I have left? .jpg)
Answer: I can understand the challenge of staying motivated when it seems the spirit of an organization has left the building and what you are left with is a gaping void.
When we are confronted with significant change in our lives we can experience the same emotional stages of grief identified by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross in her studies of the terminally ill: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Recognising what phase you are in, will help you be more resilient.
Finding meaning and purpose
Viktor Frankl in his book Man's Search for Meaning teaches us that while we can’t control what life circumstances, we can always choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances. He also said one of the keys to surviving dire conditions is to find meaning and purpose in life:
“We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed. For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one's predicament into a human achievement. When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Think of this transition as a personal leadership challenge for your growth and development. Joseph Campbell said, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. What you have to do, you do with play.
Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.”
Change your perceptions
Who are you? Is your identity wrapped up in your job title? What meaning can you bring to your work right now? What values do you live by? How do you want to show up as an example for others? What meaning and purpose do you bring to your life and work?
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle reveals that as our perception of an object [or situation] changes, the object itself will change. Counting your blessings and finding something to be grateful for everyday, is a powerful way to change your emotional chemistry and your perceptions.
Ask yourself and others, what is good about this situation? How does this situation fit into the Big Picture of your life? What ideas, or ideals are you passionate about? How can you activate those right now. Look for ways you can complete your projects with grace and elegance.
The seeds you plant in the present moment through your actions, attitudes and intentions will influence and shape your future.
Wisdom practices
Developing emotional resiliency will help you rekindle your motivation:
- Begin with extreme self-care and make sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise, fresh air and healthy food.
- Include time for incubation in your schedule. Take short breaks. Step away from the problem at hand and get some fresh air. Change your brain chemistry. Move your body and get your blood circulating through your brain.
- Find a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in your work. Reflect on the big questions of your life through meditation and journal writing. Revisit ancient wisdom through spiritual texts and world mythologies.
- Envision your ideal future and design actions to bring your vision into fruition
- Make sure you don’t isolate yourself. Nurture professional and personal relationships. Spend time with young people and find out what their passions are. Be with people you can laugh with.
- Playtime can relieve stress in bad times. Expressing yourself creatively for fun can energize your work. You might even try laughter yoga to renew your spirits. Dr. Stuart Brown says ”The opposite of play isn't work, but depression.”