APU Careers Careers & Learning

Create an Ambition List for the Day

brain-fog-survivalBy J. Mason
Online Career Tips Editor

Have you recently had a mentally foggy day at work? If so, you know how hard it is to concentrate on work and conversations with others. Even with the threat of a task list piling up it can be hard to maintain motivation. To get through a day like this make a short ambition list to keep you focused.

For this list you’ll want to put down a mixture of things you enjoy doing at work, with those that need to get done. Make the list a 50/50 blend. If you have a creative outlet like blogging or social media promotion at your work, then find a unique task from this area and add it. Where this type of list differs from the typical to-do list is in its motive. You’re trying to find a spark that lifts the mental fog and brings you down to a level playing field with your peers. It could possibly remove the grump from your day as well. It’s about finding things you already like about your position, and turning them into more important tasks for the moment.

Here’s a sample ambition list for those looking to be inspired:

  1. Find a new app that helps you rate different software programs; then spend a little time testing it.
  2. Send out the weekly department email and add an Earth Day fun fact for the group.
  3. Look for three new blogs that center around STEM and careers and read a few articles.
  4. Convince a creative co-worker to collaborate on an upcoming project.

Don’t complicate what you already have written down. Keep this list simple, and go with a few key items that motivate you for the next couple of hours. Once the fog has lifted you’ll find yourself with great new ideas, and a new zeal for your position.

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