How Can You Keep Going at Work?

To uncover the secrets of staying motivated and engaged at work, we asked 16 professionals from various industries and job titles, including CEOs, founders, and career coaches. From the importance of a supportive team to using quotes and experiences to persist, discover the diverse strategies these experts employ to keep going at work.

Supportive Team Keeps You Going
Impact on Clients’ Lives Inspires
Growth and Development Opportunities
Thinking About the Bigger Picture
Balanced Approach to Motivation
Task Lists and Small Wins
Find Passion in Your Work
Meaningful Work, Goals, and Environment
Connect and Collaborate With Coworkers
Embrace Dynamic Work Days
Focus On Goals, Mindset, and Support
Embrace Learning and Professional Growth
CEO’s Key Motivational Factors
Find Motivation in Work Impact
Use Quotes and Experiences to Persist

Supportive Team Keeps You Going

Apart from the fact that I love my job, one of the biggest things that help keep me going at work is the incredible support system my team provides. My teammates are like family to me; they understand when I’m feeling overwhelmed and help problem-solve challenges with fresh perspectives, and provide a listening ear when I need to vent about something.

They offer encouragement and reinforcement when morale sinks, which has been incredibly helpful in keeping morale up while still being productive. The sense of camaraderie is one of the most important motivators for me since it reinforces the idea that we are all working towards a common goal together. Knowing there is someone else who has my back makes it so much easier for me to keep pushing forward—no matter how tough things get!

Roksana Bielecka
Community Manager, ResumeHelp

Impact on Clients’ Lives Inspires

Being in the beauty industry allows me the privilege of helping individuals embrace their own unique beauty and boost their confidence. Witnessing the joy and newfound self-assurance in my clients is an indescribable feeling that fuels my passion and gets me excited to start each day.

It’s this genuine connection and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives that truly inspires me and reminds me of the profound importance of the work I do. Knowing that I can play a part in someone’s journey toward self-love and self-acceptance is a constant source of motivation and fulfillment.

Diane Howard
Founder, Esthetic Finesse

Growth and Development Opportunities

My drive and motivation at work stem from the opportunities for growth and development that I encounter. The ability to learn constantly, improve, and refine my skills keeps me going.

I thrive on the challenge of navigating a dynamic business landscape, seizing opportunities, and driving the company forward. Embracing new strategies, technologies, and industry trends enables me to stay ahead and maintain a competitive edge.

Witnessing the growth and success of the organization, as well as the personal and professional growth of employees, fuels my passion and dedication.

Josh Amishav
Founder and CEO, Breachsense

Thinking About the Bigger Picture

When the work days feel long, I try to take a step back, remember the bigger picture, and ask myself, “Why am I doing what I’m doing?” I think about my family and how my work offers flexibility for us. I think about my clients and how my services truly transform their lives.

Sometimes getting myself out of the weeds of the daily tasks and remembering the “why” helps with those mundane tasks that are part of the job, but not necessarily my favorite things to do.

Kelli Anderson
Career Coach, Resume Seed

Balanced Approach to Motivation

My drive to work results from a combination of passion, the opportunity for advancement, a positive work environment, recognition, and work-life balance. I enjoy my work and get satisfaction from it.

I stay interested in continuing to learn and improve my abilities. My progress is motivated by encouraging coworkers and a positive environment. Celebrating successes and leading a balanced life give me renewed energy. These things help me stay motivated and dedicated to giving every day my best effort.

Mike Lees
Chief Marketing Officer, LeaseAccelerator

Task Lists and Small Wins

Give yourself a way to get small wins all the time. I live and die by my task list. I use other project management tools for my team, but my task list is always with me. That feeling of completion, however minor, is what gets me up in the morning and keeps me motivated throughout the day.

Trevor Ewen
COO, QBench

Find Passion in Your Work

I wasn’t always highly motivated at work. What really helped me was when I matched my work with my passion. For me, that meant taking my existing skill set and using it to start my company.

Now I’ve got a lot more skin in the game. That’s motivating, but being responsible for my success really keeps me going. The game of signing the next client or achieving results uniquely effectively is a thrill. My entrepreneurial passion really keeps me going.

Temmo Kinoshita
Co-founder, Lindenwood Marketing

Meaningful Work, Goals, and Environment

Having meaningful work in a positive work environment and setting clear goals keeps me going at work and motivates me. These common factors can help people stay motivated and engaged in their work:

Meaningful work: When individuals feel that their work has a purpose and contributes to something larger than themselves, it can be a significant source of motivation. Understanding the value and impact of your work can help you stay focused and driven.

Clear goals and progress: Setting clear goals and tracking progress can provide a sense of accomplishment and forward momentum. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make the work manageable and provide a sense of achievement as you complete each milestone.

Positive work environment: A supportive and positive work environment can play a crucial role in maintaining motivation. A respectful and inclusive culture and good relationships can contribute to a sense of belonging and job satisfaction.

Joe Li
Managing Director, CheckYa

Connect and Collaborate With Coworkers

Developing strong connections with coworkers and taking part in joint initiatives can significantly boost my motivation at work. I attempt to connect with coworkers through open conversation, active listening, and offering help when needed.

I also develop a sense of belonging and purpose through fostering a pleasant work environment based on trust and respect. Collaborating with others allows me to take advantage of other viewpoints, gain new skills, and achieve common goals. These meaningful connections give me a sense of accomplishment and a drive to keep striving for perfection.

Tim Allen
Director, Oberheiden P.C.

Embrace Dynamic Work Days

By embracing the dynamic nature of each day, I recognize that no two days are the same. This awareness fuels my resilience and inspires me to think creatively, finding diverse approaches to tackle whatever obstacles that come my way. This keeps me engaged and committed to what I do.

Eran Mizrahi
CEO and Founder, Ingredient Brothers

Focus On Goals, Mindset, and Support

At work, I keep going by staying motivated and focused on several key factors. Setting clear goals and having a sense of purpose fuels my drive. Knowing what I want to achieve and understanding how my work contributes to larger objectives keeps me motivated.

Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and I celebrate my accomplishments along the way. The support of my colleagues and a positive work environment play a significant role.

Collaboration, camaraderie, and a culture of appreciation make the journey more enjoyable. Taking care of my well-being outside of work keeps me energized. Engaging in activities I love, practicing self-care, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance all contribute to my sustained motivation.

Vikrant Shaurya
CEO, Authors On Mission

Embrace Learning and Professional Growth

I’ve found that keeping an open mind and actively seeking new learning opportunities have done wonders for my productivity on the job. To broaden my knowledge and skill set, I actively pursue professional growth through training, courses, and online resources. By taking on new challenges and learning new skills, I can overcome hurdles and achieve personal and organizational progress.

I feel empowered and secure in my abilities because I keep up with industry trends and innovations, which fuels my motivation to take on complex work and contribute efficiently. I am driven and engaged by the joy of learning and the anticipation of applying new knowledge and abilities.

Cindi Keller
Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm

CEO’s Key Motivational Factors

As a CEO, staying motivated and keeping the drive to push forward at work can be challenging‌. Several factors contribute to what keeps me going:

Purpose and Vision: Having a clear purpose and vision for the company fuels my motivation. When I see the positive impact our work has on our customers, employees, and the industry, it reinforces my determination to keep going and strive for success.

Team Collaboration and Impact: Working with a talented and dedicated team is inspiring. Collaborating with passionate individuals who share a common goal and witnessing their growth and development motivates me to lead by example and create an environment where everyone can thrive. Seeing the impact our collective efforts have on the company’s success.

Celebrating Milestones and Successes: Recognizing and celebrating milestones and successes, both big and small, is essential. It provides a sense of accomplishment and serves as a reminder of the progress we have made.

Sai Blackbyrn
CEO, Coach Foundation

Find Motivation in Work Impact

Understanding the impact of my work on others and the organization motivates me significantly. It’s extremely satisfying to know that my efforts result in beneficial outcomes, whether it’s fixing a problem for a client, enhancing a process, or contributing to a larger project.

Reflecting on the value I provide and the difference I create fuels my motivation to keep striving for perfection. Feedback, recognition, and praise from colleagues and superiors are also important in sustaining my sense of purpose and inspiring me to perform consistently at my best.

Knowing that my work is meaningful and has a positive impact on others is a tremendous motivator that keeps me motivated at work.

Tiffany Hafler
Marketing Coordinator, Blockchain Lawyer

Use Quotes and Experiences to Persist

On the days I feel like giving up and throwing it all away, I tell myself I am making a difference just one little step at a time. I don’t know who said it, but one of my colleagues posted on social media the other day that “the small steps add up and make the big goals happen.”

I like that quote because I firmly believe that every step should be looked at as an accomplishment. I have battled through tough times during the pandemic with my business, but I am seeing growth again.

Another quote that I really like and remind myself of is that “entrepreneurship is like an elevator or rollercoaster.” It goes up, and it goes down, and it never just stays in place. If it does, it’s broken, or the person gave up on their goals and dreams.

Jimmy Clare
Motivational Speaker, Autism Advocate, and Founder, CrazyFitnessGuy