I realize it is still work and it is a job, but I try to think of it as playing with computers to cut through the work blah aspect of it, but even that runs thin sometimes.

Change venues once in a while

Even though telecommuting is all the rage in some industries and organizations, still others haven’t gotten on the bandwagon of remote work.  It might be a good idea to spend a day or two every month working remotely or from a different desk than yours.

This can change your view and keep you able to focus on the tasks facing you.  It may not be as nice as working from the beach in your sweatpants, but a simple change of scenery might be just what the doctor ordered in terms of different perspective.

As I write this I am away from my usual desk sitting in the waiting room of a clinic.  It isn’t ideal for sure, but the windows and new things to see are nice for a change.

Reflect on the results

While working on tasks or projects there are many things going on and time for reflection may be scarce, but upon completion of the activity take a few notes about the things that were accomplished and those that were not.

Once things have been on their way for a few weeks, take a few minutes and read your notes and reflect on the outcome as well as the methods employed.  Then condense your notes and pick out the highlights and jot them down for your performance review or just your own information.

Keeping well organized notes for your performance review might be just the right thing to help your supervisor know what you have been working on.

Keep something to learn available

You need not constantly learn the latest and greatest technology, but perhaps a new style of writing or a new type of activity related to a hobby.  This should help keep your brain moving and prevent it from getting stale.

Hopefully these few tips will help keep motivation high and feeling of “ugh work” low.  Remember we in the IT area get to play with computers everyday and help others use technology.