Loud Thinking

THE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY: Harvard Business Review

April 30, 2015

Stave Off Burnout After a Big Project

It can be hard to stay motivated after a major achievement. When you spend months focused on a single project, you get used to a certain momentum. But once you reach your goal and have to revert back to life as usual, you start feeling burned out. To make the transition from a big win back to your normal routine easier, make a few adjustments. First, recognize that your job is about to get more difficult. Before you dive into the backlog of work that grew while you were working on your project, set aside a few hours outside the office to list, clarify, and prioritize your tasks. Then focus on restocking your energy. Take breaks during the day. Go for a walk, or have lunch away from your computer. Reserve time to explore your next big goal. You need something new to be excited about.

Adapted from “Staying Motivated After a Major Achievement” by Ron Friedman.