5 Reasons Why You’re Feeling Restless and Unmotivated

It’s 4:00 pm on a Wednesday afternoon and you’re stuck in the middle of a never-ending workday. Your to-do list is a mile long, but all you can think about is taking a nap. Sound familiar? If you’re feeling restless and unmotivated at work, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent Gallup poll found that 70% of American workers are “not engaged” or “actively disengaged” in their jobs.

The good news is that there are some steps you can take to turn things around. Keep reading for five reasons why you might be feeling restless and unmotivated at work—and what you can do to change it.

1. You don’t have a clearly defined goal
If you don’t have a clear goal to work towards, it’s no wonder you’re feeling lost and uninspired. When setting goals, be specific, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T.). This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards something tangible.

2. You’re not being challenged enough
Another common reason for feeling restless and unmotivated at work is that your job isn’t challenging enough. If you’re bored with your day-to-day tasks, try mix things up by taking on new projects or learning new skills. Not only will this make your days more interesting, but it will also help you develop as a professional.

3. You don’t believe in what you’re doing
It’s hard to feel motivated at work when you don’t believe in what you’re doing. If this is the case, sit down and really think about why you took the job in the first place. Was it the salary? The location? The company culture? Once you identify what drew you to the job, see if there’s anything you can do to reignite that passion—even if it means looking for a new position altogether.

4. You don’t feel supported by your manager
Feeling unsupported by your manager is one of the quickest ways to kill motivation levels at work. If this is an issue for you, set up a meeting with your boss to discuss your concerns and see if there’s anything they can do to help support your professional development. After all, they want you to be successful too!

5. You’re stuck in a negative workplace culture
Are office politics getting you down? Do you dread going into work every day because of how toxic the environment has become? Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to change a negative workplace culture—but you can control how it affects your mood and motivation levels. If necessary, take some time away from the office to refocus and recharge outside of work hours. Remember, your mental health should always come first!

There’s no doubt about it—feeling restless and unmotivated at work is tough (not to mention frustrating). But by taking some time to reflect on why you might be feeling this way, you can start making some positive changes in your professional life. Hopefully these tips have helped get you started!