We’re about a quarter of the way through 2022 (please don’t ask how).

With the ‘new year, new me’ sentiment well and truly wearing thin, the January motivation fading, and the days till your mid-year break still many, it’s understandable if you’ve slipped into a little slump lately. It’s a tricky time of year. It’s likely been a few months since you had any down time, and as the days roll into each other with alarming speed, it can feel like you’re on loop. If you’re running low on steam, here’s some tips to pick it back up.

1. Check in with your goals

Whether it was new years resolutions or a career gameplan for the year, chances are you set some goals around the start of the year. Now is a great time to check in. Reading over them will remind you what you’re working towards, as well as giving you a chance to make sure you’re on track for your targets.

2. Schedule a review

Need some external motivation? Ask if you can schedule a review or even an informal catch up with your manager. Not only will this help you recalibrate personally, it also helps if you check your progress if you have a salary or promotion goal in mind for the future.

3. Start a passion project

If you’ve hit a slump, nothing reignites the spark quite like a creative project or something that lights you up. Perhaps it’s a passion project at work, or maybe that side hustle you’ve been putting off starting. Sink your teeth in and watch your motivation return.

4. Take a long weekend

Burnout is the nemesis of motivation. If you’re using your weekends to recharge from your Monday-Friday and find you’re dreading Sunday night, see if you can book a long weekend away. Sometimes switching up your surroundings and having an extra day to catch your breath is all it takes.

5. Book something to look forward to

Remember being a little kid counting down the days to your birthday? The anticipation was half the fun. And it’s something we haven’t had a lot of in the last few years. Reignite that magical feeling with something to count down to – it could be a concert, festival, or even just a dinner with friends. It will help to break up the time and bring some colour back to your calendar.

6. Find a mentor

Sometimes a lack of motivation can be a symptom of a lack of direction. Or maybe you just need a sounding board, someone with expertise who can see your situation with fresh eyes. A mentor will help you work through whatever’s happening professionally. And if you’d rather dip your toe in the water before diving in, why not attend an AllBright event to get a taste for professional networking in a no-pressure environment?

7. Challenge yourself

Are you lacking motivation, or are you just bored? If it’s been a while since you felt stretched, you might be coasting. If you have a suspicion that’s you, it could be the perfect time to take on a new challenge, upskill, or ask to shadow someone at work if there’s something you’d like to learn. Start with the AllBright Academy if you’re seeking inspiration.