If we are lucky, we enjoy our jobs. If we are really lucky, we love them! But what if you are having trouble staying motivated at work? Perhaps personal things are taking over your attention or you are just in a bit of a funk. In today’s economy, sometimes learning to love what you do can be the key to success. Here are a few easy steps to keep you motivated in the workplace.

First, prioritize and make a list of things you will accomplish before you leave for the day. It is easy to get caught up with small tasks that don’t require your immediate attention. Prioritize your tasks and focus solely on your top items until you have finished them. Time management can give you great control over your position. Having a clear, organized outlook on your position will help you prioritize, accomplish more, feel more productive, and motivate you more.

Any large tasks you are not able to complete within a day should be broken down into manageable steps or a timeline. Some projects need their own “to do” list. Make sure to check off your progress. Tracking the time encourages you to challenge yourself to get things done efficiently and timely. You can also make a game out of your tasks. See how many line items you can check off in one day!

Use stress and pressure in your position as a tool to keep you on target. Continuously ask for feedback, whether it is from your supervisor, colleague or staff. Make sure this person has a positive outlook, yet is willing to let you know your areas of improvement. Setting new challenges can help stimulate your motivation.

Motivation is really a matter of creating a plan and working your plan. Staying focused can keep your eye on the goal and keep you in a motivated state of mind.