The Management Tip of the Day from 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.

BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials | HBR's 10 Must Reads Ebook Boxed Set | HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study | HBR Guide to Better Business Writing | HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done

FEATURED PRODUCT Return on Character: The Real Reason Leaders and Their Companies Win HBR Paperback Book Does the character of our leaders matter? You may think this question was answered long ago. Countless experts have assured us that great leadership demands great character. Yet time and again, we've seen once-thriving organizations falter and fail under the guidance of leaders behaving badly. Why, then, do so many executives remain skeptical about the true value of leadership character? What’s been missing from this debate is hard evidence: data that shows not only that leadership character matters for organizational success, but how it matters; and concrete evidence that it leads to better business results. Now, in Return on Character, respected leadership researcher, adviser, and author Fred Kiel offers that evidence—solid data that demonstrates the connection between character, leadership excellence, and results. Buy Now

FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Building Your Business Case Ebook + Tools HBR Press Book This enhanced eBook version of the HBR Guide to Building Your Business Case includes downloadable tools and templates to help you get started on your own case right away. You've got a great idea that will increase profitability or productivity – but how do you get approval for the budget and resources to make it happen? By building a business case that clearly shows your idea's value. Available exclusively through HBR.org. Buy Now

ADVERTISEMENT

HBR.ORG | THE MAGAZINE | TOPICS | BOOKS | CASES | STORE | SUBSCRIBE TO HBR UNSUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS PRIVACY POLICY | CONTACT Copyright © 2015 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing 60 Harvard Way Boston, MA 02163 CUSTOMER SERVICE: 800-545-7685 (US/Canada) 1-617-783-7600 (outside the U.S. and Canada)