I've always been passionate about coaching aspiring leaders. Over the years, I've learnt first-hand how tough it can feel when motivation slips away. I understand the profound impact it can have on our professional and personal life. Even the most driven individuals can find yourselves in a state of disengagement, where your tasks feel tedious, and your energy levels are depleted. It's a natural part of our life journey, and it affects people at every level of an organization.

So, what do you do when you hit this wall? It's easy to spiral into cynicism or pull back from social interactions, but I believe we're all capable of overcoming these slumps. I've come across a powerful method in an HBR article that lays out a four-step process known as DEAR (Detachment, Empathy, Action, and Reframing) to help you reignite your passion and productivity. Let's break it down together.

Detachment is your starting point.

It might feel strange to step back when there's so much doing to be done, but gaining an objective view of your work and feelings is crucial. Often, we're caught up in a negative bias, seeing only the bad and expecting it to last forever. By detaching, you realize these feelings of dissatisfaction are temporary. One practice I find helpful is ending the day by reflecting on what went well — it can really shift your mindset and re-energize you.

Consider incorporating daily reflection, meditation, or physical exercise into your routine. These practices help you step away from mental traps and recharge. Herbert Benson's research, for instance, shows that simple meditation can trigger a relaxation response which benefits both your body and mind.

Next up, Empathy.

This step is about building compassion towards yourself and others. Remember, your feelings and values are important. Engage in self-care, treat people kindly, and make genuine connections. This doesn't just improve your mood; it helps you feel more connected and involved in your work.

Then there's Action. This is where you take proactive steps to avoid falling into unproductive habits. If you're feeling disengaged, you might be tempted to escape through less-than-healthy behaviors. Instead, channel that energy into something positive. Start with small tasks, invest time in hobbies, or even redefine your job role to better match your strengths. Job crafting can be incredibly fulfilling, as it allows you to reshape your work to enhance both satisfaction and engagement.

Finally, Reframing is about finding new meaning in your work. It’s about understanding the 'why' behind what you do, which can transform mundane tasks into significant contributions. Look at the big picture and how your work impacts others. By aligning your tasks with a larger purpose, you'll find that motivation comes more easily.

Reigniting Your Motivation

Remember, feeling disengaged isn’t a permanent state. You have the power to change how you feel and perform. Embrace these steps, celebrate the small victories, and don’t hesitate to seek support. I'm a fan of this D.E.A.R process because I've successfully used elements of this framework in my career journey. I've also seen elements of detachment, reframing, action and empathy, work in the lives of several clients, colleagues and friends.

So, whenever you're starting to feel unmotivated - pause, reflect and think about your key takeaways from this write up. Perhaps you could benefit from implementing some or all of these ideas. Remember, this journey called life, requires patience, self-compassion and determination.

Celebrate the small wins, seek out support when needed, you will emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. In doing so, you contribute to creating a more engaging and supportive work environment and live a more fullfilling life.

Have a Great Week ahead.