Have you ever found yourself stuck in a routine, feeling unmotivated at work? Sometimes, the workplace can feel dull, and the motivation to push through the day just isn’t there. Yet, despite this, we still show up—because, like it or not, our job is part of our daily life.
I’ve spent 12 years working a traditional 40-hour workweek, and throughout my
career, I’ve learned how to stay motivated and proactive. Of course, there are good days and bad days. But when I have a bad day, I remind myself that it’s just one day—it doesn’t define my colleagues, my work, or the people who rely on me. Being a professional means showing up and giving my best, regardless of how I feel. After all, that’s what my workplace pays me for.
The Power of the 8+8+8 Rule
One of the key principles I follow is the 8+8+8 rule, a time management technique that helps balance work, rest, and personal time. It divides the day into three equal parts:
✅ 8 hours of dedicated work – Focused, distraction-free, and productive.
✅ 8 hours of sleep – Essential for mental and physical well-being.
✅ 8 hours of personal time – Family, social life, hobbies, and “me time.”
This simple but powerful rule allows me to maximize productivity while still making time for the things that truly matter. When I step into my workplace, I commit fully to those 8 hours—no distractions, no excuses. And once my workday is over, I shift my focus to enjoying life outside of work.
How to Stay Motivated at Work
Motivation is crucial for getting through the workday, especially when tasks feel repetitive or uninspiring. But what drives us varies from person to person. Some are motivated by money, others by passion for their job, and some by career growth.
For me, working in a social environment gives me energy. Being around people, learning from them, and providing value in return makes my job fulfilling. When I engage with others, I gain something priceless—respect and honor—which fuels my motivation.
One of the most effective strategies I use is Mel Robbins’ 5-Second Rule (from her book The 5 Second Rule). The concept is simple: when you need to take action, count backward—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—and just do it.
I use this technique not just to start my day but also to push through difficult moments at work. When my students struggle or have a tough time, I listen, support them, and reset the situation using the same approach: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1—let’s go! This method works every time and keeps me engaged, no matter how challenging the day may be.
How to Make Your 9-to-5 Job More Enjoyable
Let’s face it—some workdays feel boring. There are moments when motivation is low, and the clock seems to move painfully slow. But instead of letting frustration take over, I use a simple mindset shift:
“It’s going to be over soon.”
Whenever I find myself struggling with a dull task, I remind myself that 5 PM will come no matter what. The day won’t last forever. Just like yesterday and the day before, time keeps moving forward. Soon, I’ll be at home, having dinner with my family. This small mental trick helps me push through the toughest workdays without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Takeaway
Motivation at work comes down to understanding what drives you:
• If you work to pay your bills, money is your motivation.
• If you like your job, everyday work keeps you motivated.
•If you love what you do, your career inspires you.
So, what motivates you?
Thank You for Reading!
I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. It means a lot to me! I hope you found these insights helpful, and I’d love to hear what keeps you motivated in your 9-to-5 job. Feel free to share your thoughts!
Tariq Khan
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