How to Motivate Yourself to Get Back to Work After Summer

How was your summer holiday? Mine was filled with visiting beautiful European cities, stays in cozy hotels, lovely swimming pools, delicious cocktails, watching the Netherlands win (gold) medals at the Olympics, and plenty of free time to do whatever I wanted. But now, summer is over, and it’s time to get back to work—just like many of us. How do you motivate yourself to get back to work after summer?

According to Deci and Ryan’s basic psychological needs theory (1985), three key factors can help boost your intrinsic motivation: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. But how can you nurture these needs to help you when you return to your workplace? Perhaps these tips, grounded in this timeless theory, will help you make the transition smoother and more fulfilling.

1. Start with the easy tasks

The first day back at work can feel overwhelming—your inbox is overflowing, big tasks await your attention, and colleagues are eager to catch up with you. To facilitate the transition, consider starting with the easier tasks. These are typically quick, straightforward tasks that don’t require much mental effort. By tackling a few simple tasks first, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment—because, let’s face it, isn’t it super satisfying to get things done? This boost in competence can make a real difference, as boosting your sense of competence is crucial for reigniting your intrinsic motivation. In other words: ticking off those easy tasks might be just what you need to enjoy and thrive at work again.

2. Take matters into your own hands

Are there other ways to boost your motivation? According to Deci and Ryan (1985), autonomy is another crucial factor in fueling our intrinsic motivation. How can we take matters into our own hands at work? One option might be to start by listing everything you need to do and decide for each task whether it genuinely interests you or if it’s something you’re dreading. For those tasks you’re reluctant to tackle, ask yourself: Do you have to do them? If not, can you delegate them to someone else? If they’re unavoidable, is there a way to make them more engaging, fulfilling, or enjoyable? By critically assessing your tasks, you take control of your workload and work environment, enhancing your sense of autonomy. This sense of autonomy is beneficial for many things in life. This might be just what you need to boost your curiosity (Romero Verdugo and colleagues, 2023), intrinsic motivation, and work satisfaction.

3. Surround yourself with curious people

Feeling connected to the people around you also boost your intrinsic motivation. However, it’s not just about connection; the type of people you surround yourself with matters too. It might be tempting to bond with those who are also dreading the return to work—mutual complaining can be comforting. But instead, try surrounding yourself with curious individuals. Curiosity is contagious (Dubey and colleagues, 2021), and when you’re around naturally inquisitive people, their enthusiasm can inspire you to explore more yourself. Engage with colleagues who are eager to learn and excited about their upcoming work plans. Participate in discussions or join activities organized by these people. Being in an environment that values and nurtures curiosity will help you maintain your motivation.

Are you ready to dive back into work, or are you still daydreaming about those sunny days of summer? Whether you're hating to get started or still enjoying the last drops of your holiday cocktail, why not give these tips a try? I know I'll be starting with some easy-to-do points, passing off a few tasks, and catching up with my most curious colleagues over a cup of coffee. Who knows? We might just find that getting back to work is as refreshing as a dive in the swimming pool!