By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Staff
We’d like to think that there’s a mystical muse out there just waiting for us when thought-block hits. I hate to break it to you, but there is no muse. The inspiration and motivation you need at work will be coming from a fire you light up for yourself.
One way of to motivate yourself, or at least backfill it with material, is through books. Surround yourself with helpful manuals, books on topics related to your field, and notebooks with notes you jotted down from meetings. This will be your resource library. Most departments should have one of these for all employees to access for information. So whether you’re borrowing a book from there, or you obtain books throughout your career, think of it as your “muse center.” Keep it well stocked with the most current trends in your industry, and even a few older texts on the history of your profession.
[Need a Concentration Boost? Take a Walk!]
It’s a great way to give your eyes a rest from the computer screen, if you’re like me and have the computer screen as a central focal point for your work. Take 30 minutes a couple times a week and sit away from your desk with something from the library. Take notes if you like; it’ll be fun to pretend you’re back in school. Barter with your colleagues to change out your stock, and even encourage your boss to buy a couple recent publications for the group.
So, on your break today, or tomorrow, dust off the books that have been sleeping soundly in your drawer and arrange them on your desk or even floor. Whatever your aesthetic preference is, make sure to surround yourself with something other than a desk calendar and bad fluorescent lighting. The presence of books will help give the illusion of academia, and may inspire some great ideas.
[related: Building a High-Tech Future]
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