It can be difficult to recognise when you have job fatigue, because you’re working so hard trying to get through your daily tasks that it simply doesn’t register that things aren’t right.

But take a moment now and ask yourself these questions:

• Does work seem like a hard slog at the moment, like you’re on a treadmill repeating actions day after day without really getting anywhere?
• Do you feel physically and mentally exhausted at the end of your working day?
• Do you feel you’re seeing no rewards for your hard work, in financial terms or through job satisfaction?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these, I can pretty much guarantee you’re suffering from job fatigue.

Unfortunately, this can be a downward spiral that leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression. But, although it may seem like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel at the moment, there is a way to get yourself out of this rut – and it might be simpler than you think.

SET YOURSELF GOALS!

One of the biggest issues I face as a business mentor is getting people to recognise the benefits of setting big goals for themselves – but it is actually a great way of combating job fatigue.

Think about it – if you have nothing to strive for, no direction or aim, wouldn’t you feel like a hamster on a wheel, running but at the same time standing still?

If you can’t say to yourself at the end of the day, I’ve achieved this and I’m now closer to my goal – wouldn’t you feel drained and despondent?

If you don’t feel you’re working to a bigger plan that will bring amazing rewards, there’s nothing to motivate you each day. Wouldn’t that be soul destroying, if the hours you’re putting in feel worthless?

Yet so many people in business still go through the motions without setting goals.

I’ve written at length on how to set goals, and how to work towards achieving them, so I’m not going to expand on that here. What I want to point out is that you need to recognise the importance of having a vision, of dreaming a little of what the future could hold.

Having something to work towards, and a plan of action in place to make it happen, is a hugely constructive thing to do. It will give you a framework for your working day and keep everyone in the office upbeat, knowing that all of their hard work is leading somewhere.

Ticking things off an action plan each day as you work towards a big goal will promote optimism and positivity. No room for job fatigue there! You will be amazed at how differently you can feel about your business and the work you do within it.

So, jump off the treadmill! Get out of the hamster wheel! Set yourself something to strive for and go get ‘em!

For more guidance on how to set goals – and work towards achieving them, here’s some further reading:

Do you know what your goal is?
Targets & Goals: Can You Spot the Difference?
Setting your Goal: The Know How
Goals set, but how can I achieve them effectively?
Help yourself to achieve your goals – Masterminding
Short term goals and long term goals
Business goals and personal goals