We sometimes don’t always exert our best effort in work. While many would like to say they’re “trying their best,” the reality is that sometimes we don’t always feel like doing our best.
Regardless of the circumstances, we are responsible for performing our tasks at work to the best of our ability. While asking someone to always show up in their A Game is unrealistic, it’s still a reasonable request to exert honest and intelligent effort.
Honest and intelligent effort means putting aside your emotions to exert energy into your task. Whatever you are worried about, you must keep those things aside and focus on what you can do now. Instead of focusing on the failures of the past and the empty promises of the future, you can focus on how you can better your situation right now.
Here are some simple instructions on how to show honest and intelligent effort:
1. Put aside your feelings.
You may find it challenging to focus on your work if you feel overwhelmed, tired, frustrated, or in between. While one can’t block out their feelings, one can at least place them aside for the moment.
2. Examine your obstacles.
What are the things that are blocking you right now? Is it a personal problem? A motivation problem? Or a health problem? Whatever the issues are, it may help to list them so you can tackle them individually.
3. Ask yourself why these obstacles are in the way.
Why do you think these obstacles are bothering your work? Is it because it affects your sense of worth? Does this problem irritate you and cause you to become distracted in your work? Whatever the reason, examine the cause of these obstacles objectively and clearly.
4. Think of solutions for your obstacles or work around them.
After examining your issues and their reasons, consider formulating some solutions. If they require more time and effort, try to put them on hold or place a “temporary” quick fix. You don’t have to ignore it, but if you can set it aside for a while, you’ll eventually find a way to focus on it.
5. Do things one step at a time.
Now face your current tasks. What are the most manageable and most challenging tasks on your list? If you need a reminder, try to list your current tasks for the day and tackle them one step at a time. You don’t have to bring your A game, but you can at least try. Feel free to ask for help if you need it!
Francis A Castelli 