So, you can do most of your work in your sleep, you’re bored beyond all reason and you know all the office jokes before they’ve even been uttered? Could it be time to leave your job?

Getting to the top of your game in what you do is the ultimate goal for most people. Yet, no matter how hard you’ve worked to master your position or how long you’ve spent getting there, it’s very rare that you should stay put from then on, stagnating for years to come.

This is not to say you should bolt for the door the moment you feel comfortable. After all, there are always more unexpected lessons to be learned and potential curly events to unfold, so you need to give yourself the chance to breathe and to experience some longevity.

However, if you’re noticing it’s months since you’ve been challenged in any respect and you’re actually bored by what you are doing, then it might be time to start thinking about moving on.

You might find your ideas aren’t being noticed anymore – or the contrary – they are used no matter how predictable and flat they seem to you.

Perhaps you are starting to feel that you’re taken for granted, no longer being heard, expected to do others jobs for them or work ridiculous hours without compensation.

One particular giveaway that it’s time to jump ship is when bad habits have formed within the organisation whereby cliques are rife, gossiping is the norm and games are being played. It’s a sign most others are also bored and that their focus is not where it should be. Whatever you do, don’t let yourself become entangled in such inane behaviour as it will put your work and professional image at risk.

In any case, trust your instincts. You’ll know when work has become a drag or the environment is toxic. Just don’t quit prematurely. You’ve earned the right to bask in some of the glory of being great at what you’re doing – you should at least enjoy it for as long as is healthy.

By Chloe Abotomey

You know what you need to do, you may even know exactly how you’re going to do it, but it still it doesn’t get done, sound familiar?

We have all experienced the unproductive attitude coming from lack of motivation. With fear and laziness being the most universal human characteristics who could blame us. But what sets apart those who succeed is the ability to self motivate. These tips for self motivation will increase your ability to thrive in any environment, improve your mood, work ethic and overall outlook.

Celebrate and reward small achievements. By continually recognising your good work you’re more likely to be encouraged to continue your efforts.

Find passion in what you do. Passionate people often want to do their best so finding enjoyment in your work is important for maximum productivity and happiness.

Breakdown large chunks of work into manageable sections to prevent becoming overwhelmed. By dividing big tasks into smaller ones, and focus on completing just one task at a time a big task will not seem as daunting. You’ll be surprised how much you can do if you take it one step at a time.

Stay positive. It’s almost impossible to get motivated when you’re feeling down. So shake off your negativity by listening to your favourite music or go for a walk or run.

Organise your workspace. A tidy desk or office is much more inviting than a workplace crammed with folders that are no longer relevant and papers two years old.

Schedule your day to help get through all that needs to be done. Make a to-do list and stick to it.

Work with a colleague to spur each other on. Surround yourself with people who have a strong work ethic and positive outlook to help motivate you to work hard when you’d normally quit.

Visualize the outcome. Remember why you are tackling the task and make a list of reasons why achieving your goals are important to you. You can look at if you begin to feel overwhelmed.

Fuel your body right. Instead of over stimulating your body with excess caffeine from coffee
and energy drinks, try eating a balanced meal with protein and low GI carbohydrates to release energy slowly.

Just do it. Getting started is often the hardest part so plan to just do 20 mins of the task at hand
and more often than not you’ll find you do more.

Laying claim to the best resume on earth will end up meaning very little if you’re a bag of nerves during your interview.

We all get nervous – and it’s particularly natural in a job interview. However, letting your nerves interfere and take the whole show over is something that can and should be avoided.

Much of the key to quashing those nerves is in the lead up to the interview. For example, if you do your research and know the background to the organisation and have a good handle on the position description, then you won’t be so afraid of questions you’re unprepared for. You’re less likely to hit stumbling blocks or feel inadequate – all of which would ordinarily be recipes for disaster.

Ensure you freshen up and fuel up prior to the big moment. A nutritious, balanced meal that is not too heavy (avoid pasta, for example) will go a long way in keeping your mental functioning at peak and your energy levels stable. Avoid too much coffee as it may over stimulate you and can lead to anxiety. Freshening up with a relaxing bath or hot shower can steady your mind and your nerves.

Try to clear your mind and calm your nerves with some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness exercises – all of which train the breath to slow, focus and regroup, having an overall calming effect and keeping you in the present moment as opposed to running off with those nerves.

Know your worth. Keep in mind that you’ve made it as far as an interview for a reason. You obviously have skills or prior experience that appeal to the organisation so they are already interested in you and who knows? You might be the favourite applicant. Remember it’s not only a question of whether they want you, but also whether you want them. So always know your worth and strengths – and sell yourself accordingly.

Regardless of how you feel the interview went, it’s always a good idea to ask for feedback which can assist you for future applications.