How do you motivate yourself when your workplace doesn't demand it?

[Anonymous]

I have always worked in very demanding, fast-paced environments with no opportunity for slacking. I took a new job as a government lawyer several months ago. I like the work, but I am finding the culture and pace frustrating. My coworkers are content to work at a snail's pace, not getting very much done. The supervisors don't seem to expect more. I am finding it hard to self-motivate to work hard and be effective when no one else around me seems to care. I want to take pride in my work and feel like I'm doing a good job. For those of you who work in similar environments, what have you done to keep motivated?

[Anonymous]

My experience is that your motivation will stand out very quickly and you could probably rise in your office if you wanted to. The folks who were in leadership positions lended to be those who came from the private sector.

[Anonymous]

I am in a similar office. Frankly, I work at the pace I'm comfortable working at. That means, if I can finish a project immediately, I do it. I don't care that the others don't work as quickly or efficiently as I do (although they could, if they wanted to). I figure, nobody will ever question my actions if the work is done fast and right.

It's frustrating but I sleep better at night knowing I'm still working at MY pace - whether anybody expects it or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My experience is that your motivation will stand out very quickly and you could probably rise in your office if you wanted to. The folks who were in leadership positions lended to be those who came from the private sector.

Or you could alienate people in your office and pretty soon find your work load reduced and things returned to you and corrections and research asked for on silly little things just to keep you busy. It happens.

[Anonymous]

I was in an office like that. I never could get it to work for me. In retrospect, I agree with the pp that I may have gotten ahead if I'd been able to keep up my precious pace. But I wasnt able to do that and switched jobs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have always worked in very demanding, fast-paced environments with no opportunity for slacking. I took a new job as a government lawyer several months ago. I like the work, but I am finding the culture and pace frustrating. My coworkers are content to work at a snail's pace, not getting very much done. The supervisors don't seem to expect more. I am finding it hard to self-motivate to work hard and be effective when no one else around me seems to care. I want to take pride in my work and feel like I'm doing a good job. For those of you who work in similar environments, what have you done to keep motivated?

Keep working at your pace and ask your supervisor for more work when you finish it. Despite the cynical views of some people around here, hard work is appreciated. You will see your career rise and you will get in better positions that are motivating sooner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My experience is that your motivation will stand out very quickly and you could probably rise in your office if you wanted to. The folks who were in leadership positions lended to be those who came from the private sector.

Or you could alienate people in your office and pretty soon find your work load reduced and things returned to you and corrections and research asked for on silly little things just to keep you busy. It happens.

Part of being a respected leader in the office is NOT alienating everyone around you. Be respectful of others' experiences, and don't be condescending.

In the govt offices I have seen, the folks who were more motivated took on more cases, more responsibility on those cases, and then naturally found themselves in leadership positions on those cases. Then, you get noticed for higher-level positions.

[Anonymous]

I work very quickly. It enables me to have time for a lunch break or working out or internal networking during the day. I do agree that my pace has alienated a couple of close colleagues who are slower and want to stay that way. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

I tried working at my normal pace for a while then encountered hostility from co-workers. My supervisor didn't like the climate of the office and I could see I was getting blamed. I ended up getting a smart phone with internet access at work to distract me. Peace returned to the office. Sad but true.

[Anonymous]

I just work for two hours a day and then I usually go home, go to lunch, go shopping or go for a walk.

[Anonymous]

I leaned to take pride in my life not just my work. I started leaving the office at five to spend more time with my family. I now work leave the house at 7:15 am and I am home no later than 6:15 pm (commute included). I used to leave my house at 6:30 am and get home close to 8 pm. Those couple of extra house for family have made a big difference.

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the government. Only workplace that I've worked at where it appears half the folks are just waiting to retire. Frustrating!

[Anonymous]

I've been in similar positions, and also found it hard to stay motivated. With external motivation, I can be a superstar, but without deadlines and a fast-paced environment, it's really hard for me to keep working to my potential. I've left a previous job for just that reason (not government though!). I'm sure I could have excelled there but it's just too easy for me to fall into an unproductive pattern -- and when I do, I end up unhappy with myself, my job, etc. Taking on additional responsibility helps, when it's possible, and trying to self-impose deadlines and other goals does too. For me though, I've learned that a dynamic work environment is essential to both my success and my happiness. Otherwise the temptation to join the slackers becomes too great...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tried working at my normal pace for a while then encountered hostility from co-workers. My supervisor didn't like the climate of the office and I could see I was getting blamed. I ended up getting a smart phone with internet access at work to distract me. Peace returned to the office. Sad but true.

This is why I go to lunch and often work out within the same workday. I have a coworker who isn't in the office even quite 40 hours, and works quite slowly. He's very nice and completely non threatening. Thought I was "abrasive" because I actually like to get things done lol. Our mutual boss seemed actually to feel more comfortable with the other guy, so I started taking it easier. It's fine for now. Once the kids get into full day school, I'll look for a workplace that rewards hard work.

[Anonymous]

Holy cow is this thread depressing...Joe Tax Payer