Some days it can be difficult to find any motivation. This time of year it is dark, cold and a little bit miserable! So finding out what motivates you can really help boost your work flow.

There are lots of simple things that can boost motivation. The key is trying to find what works for you!

• Strict deadlines
• Plenty of breaks
• Getting outside
• Learning new things
• Bouncing ideas off others

The list is endless! It's important to understand that some days your motivation will be lower, so don't beat yourself up. Maybe that is our body's way of telling us we need a break. So listen to your body and what it is telling you.

Deadlines and Goals

If you work better with deadlines but are finding your workload overwhelming, try breaking your tasks down into smaller, more achievable tasks. I find that once you start ticking things off, my motivation increases. So I always complete a few quick and easy tasks first to get me going.

Have you lost sight of your goals? A great way to remember what motivates you is by reviewing your long term goals and what you are trying to achieve and why. Sometimes a reminder of this can be as simple as a photo or picture stuck to your bedroom wall.

Find Your Ideal Work Space

Your work space can have a huge effect on motivation. I have learnt that when my motivation is lacking, I don't work well at home! There are far too many distractions and I always need up washing up, folding the laundry or making origami animals! Anything to avoid what I should be doing. So try and find where you work best. It may be a cafe, library or sat on a park bench. It may also change depending on your mood, so again listen to what your body is telling you!

I find the best motivator is taking regular breaks. Pushing yourself too hard can be destructive, so schedule in some breaks throughout your day. A five minute walk can be a great motivator and help to clear your mind, so you feel refreshed and ready to work again.

Whatever you find motivates you, schedule it in to your work day. Listen to your body: it will tell you what it needs!