There is More to Motivation Than Meets the Coffee

The stress of unemployment can really take a toll on ones confidence and state of mind. For some individuals, it could lead to depression, for others ? a mere lack of motivation and feeling of hopelessness. Employment is one of the main structures that helps individuals in our society to feel positive, develop financial independence, as well as establish hope for the future.

Even for those with jobs, motivation is a hard state to attain and maintain. Businesses are losing thousands of hours' worth of productivity each year - with staff being distracted from their jobs by everything from 'cyber-surfing to taking 5 coffee breaks a day (which by the way may leave you broke considering the raise in recent coffee prices).

In a recent survey conducted by silicon.com, results found that "While cyber-loafing was identified by 23 per cent of respondents as the main obstacle to a productive workforce, 'low staff morale and lack of motivation' was identified by 32 per cent of respondents."

So, besides the short-term benefits of early morning coffee consumption, what are some alternatives to getting motivated for work?

Stimulate your mind and your mouth

It has been proven time and time again that having breakfast in the morning gives you a nutritional boost both physically and mentally. But what about emotionally ? can breakfast alone be enough to get you motivated for your day? Getting your day off on the right start doesn't mean walking into your office on a full stomach. It means walking in on a full stomach and a full set of ideas.

Participating in mental activities like doing a crossword puzzle or meditating can really sharpen your mind within a short period of time. If neither exercises appeal to you, then pick up the newspaper or read a book that is relevant to your line of work. By doing so, you may be able to get fresh new ideas for your business, or learn more about new industry trends.

You've got mail! Get your daily dose of wisdom

My favorite time of the day is when I get inspirational quotes in my inbox. You can subscribe to a few inspirational newsletters by browsing the Web. My personal favorite is the John Baines Forum (www.ihpny.org). The minute I finish reading them, I instantly feel a powerful connection between my mind and spirit ? the 2 most essential ingredients for outer productivity and inner happiness.

Get outside the (office) box

Ever heard of the phrase "Being so close to the forest that you can't see the trees"? Well, a lot of times people experience this in their work environments ? and rightfully so! Your environment determines your level of productivity and it is not always easy to see the trees (ideas) when you are always in the forest (office). Some times the best remedy is getting outside the box - I mean, office. If you have a meeting in your office with a client, see if you can rearrange it to your favorite neighborhood café instead. Not only does this provide a more relaxed setting for both individuals, but also allows you to connect more on a human level.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with your time and energy, turn off you computer, take a walk outside, and breathe deeply. If this doesn't help, see if there are any seminars or roundtables you can attend that week on time management and fatigue.

Start your week with a weekly report

Whether you have a job or not, the most important thing to do before your "work week" starts is writing down all the goals you have for that week. Make sure to put a specific timeline on completing your goals. That way, you will be accountable to yourself if you miss your deadline. Set aside punishments and rewards to keep yourself in check.

I personally like to print my weekly report and tape it to my desk so it is always in front of me. Always have a highlighter right next to you so that when you finish, you mark off what you have completed. If you are computer savvy, you may use programs like ACT or Outlook.

In sum, true motivation lies within your heart. If you cannot find it there, it may be because you lack the resources, techniques, and appropriate environment that is conducive to your personal productivity. If these resources are aligned properly, not only will you be able to reach your highest levels of motivation, you may be able to reduce your monthly spending habits at your local Starbucks!

Dali Singh is the Managing Director for Blueliner Marketing (www.bluelinermarketing.com), a full-service marketing and communications firm. Dali is also a member of the Institute for Hermetic Philosophy, a spiritual school that provides tools to assist people in developing themselves on a personal and practical level. Visit www.ihpny.org or sign up for weekly inspirational quotes at http://www.ihpny.org/template.asp?page=mailing .

BBC News
Coffee chain feels pinch
Dispatch Online, South Africa - 16 hours ago
By ANDREA JAMES HIT hard by a slowing economy, the Starbucks coffee chain is closing 600 stores, signalling an end to the Seattle company’s United States ...
The troubled company wakes up and smells the coffee Economist
Coffee Revisited, Starbucks Position istockAnalyst.com
US Coffee Giant Starbucks to Close 600 US Stores Voice of America
Hi-Desert Star - Independentall 1,376 news articles

Man accused of trying to poison co-worker's coffee
Boston Globe, United States - 7 hours ago
PORTSMOUTH, NH—Police say a Rochester man tried several times to pour poison into a co-worker's coffee but couldn't get the cap off the liquid he was using. ...

Magic in Coffee Bay
Dispatch Online, South Africa - 11 hours ago
I was in the superbly clean ablution facilities of Coffee Shack Backpackers in Coffee Bay. I have been meaning to write a story on top surfer David Malherbe ...

India coffee prices up on tight supply, global cues
Reuters India, India - 14 hours ago
MUMBAI, July 4 (Reuters) - Prices at the Indian Coffee Trade Association auction on Thursday rose on a tight supply situation and tracking firm global cues, ...

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By Rasha Al Qahtani A COFFEE shop says it has been wrongfully punished after it was slapped with a warning for allegedly flouting a ban on selling sheesha. ...

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By PAM FIRMIN Few things say "Southern" like sweet tea and hospitality and Southern Grounds Coffee House has both. Along with its regional ambience comes a ...

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She told deputies that three days earlier the baby was playing on the floor and that she tripped and spilled hot coffee on the boy’s back. ...

THE DIRT GARDENER: Coffee grounds in the garden
Contra Costa Times, CA - 4 hours ago
By Buzz Bertolero Q: I have heard that coffee grounds can be used in the garden. Can you give me some information on its uses? A: Coffee grounds have ...

Coffee With Horn Accompanying
Alameda Sun, CA - 18 hours ago
... a great way to meet people and make friends. He played jazz and classic riffs and entertained fellow coffee-sippers on that busy corner earlier this week.

UPDATE 1-German cartel office raids coffee makers
Reuters - Jul 3, 2008
HAMBURG, July 3 (Reuters) - Germany's cartel office said on Thursday it had raided several coffee roasters on suspicion of price fixing. ...

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