How to find motivation at work in the new year-even at the same job

When you have misgivings about your job, it can be natural to fixate on those issues. But author and time management coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders says it's also important to remember what you actually appreciate about your role or workplace. 'Try to think through any of the things that make you happy,' she writes. 'Maybe it's that you get to work from home two days a week or that you like your coworkers or that there's free coffee in the break room.' It can be helpful to remind yourself of those things on a daily basis-not just when you're feeling frustrated.

It's possible you can't do much to alter the overall scope of your job, or maybe a promotion isn't on the table at the moment. Still, there are small changes you can make to improve your work-life balance or invest in activities that bring you joy outside of work. Too often, striving for greater productivity can turn toxic if the end goal is simply to work more or keep longer hours so you look busy.

But it might be worth finding ways to be a bit more productive during working hours if that enables you to carve out more time for the things you care about outside of the workplace. Or you may need to request more flexible hours if you're struggling to manage your work schedule alongside your personal commitments.

Read at Fast Company