You Know Your Job Like the Back of Your Hand

• You’ve done your job for several years.
• You know the goals and challenges of the job.
• You understand the factors that made you successful.

You’ve Acted as a Leader

• You’ve taken the lead on projects.
• You’ve helped teammates through challenges.
• You’ve helped improve processes or procedures.

You Like Helping Other People Succeed

• You enjoy advocating for the success of others.
• You have no problem keeping the spotlight shining on those who deserve it.
• You have strong coaching abilities.

You Lead By Example

• You demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you want to see in others.
• You do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
• You walk the walk; you don’t just talk the talk.

You’re Comfortable Letting Go

• You are ok with someone else handling your current daily responsibilities.
• You know you don’t need to own or control every detail of every project.
• You have faith that any team you lead has the talent to be successful.

You Understand Being a Good Manager is Different From Being a Good Employee

• You know how to say no.
• You can make decisions swiftly.
• You can own up to mistakes.

You’re OK With Not Always Being Liked

• You know that if someone is upset with you, it doesn’t mean they don’t respect you.
• You’re comfortable not being personal friends with your reports.
• You have the ability to tell people the truth, even if it’s not always what they want to hear.

You Are a Strong Communicator

• You are comfortable and capable of setting clear expectations.
• You are prepared to give ongoing positive (and constructive) feedback.
• You listen well and are open to the ideas of others.

You Are Known for Being Reliable

• You have a reputation for getting things done on time.
• Other people turn to you for help/ideas/answers.
• You’ve established yourself as a problem-solver.

 You Genuinely Want the Responsibility

• You’re taking the step because you feel ready, not because you have seniority.
• You understand how things will change for you in your professional life.
• You’re ready to shoulder the successes and failures of your team.

If you feel less than engaged at work recently, like you’re just putting in the time, than you’re not alone. Around 7 in 10 workers in the US feel some level of disengagement from work. If that’s not the kind of employee you want to be, keep reading for some quotes that will help you stay motivated at work.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~Robert Collier
“A year from now, you may wish you had started today.” ~ Karen Lamb Takeaway: The only way you can finish something important is to start. If you keep putting off the start, you’ll never finish.

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” ~Earl Nightingale
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” ~Will Rogers
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” ~Colin Powell
“Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so.” ~ David Brooks Takeaway: In many ways, motivation is the belief that you can make the future better. Even if you only make it better for yourself and your family, it’s still better.

“Be humble. Be hungry. Always be the hardest worker in the room.” ~Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
“Don’t watch the clock. Do what it does. Keep going.” ~Sam Levenson
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” ~Theodore Roosevelt
“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” ~ Dale Carnegie
Takeaway: Failure tells you that you took a wrong turn somewhere. Figure out where you took that wrong turn and don’t do it again.

“Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.” ~Theodore Isaac Rubin

Staying motivated at work can be difficult, especially if you feel disengaged. Just remember that many people feel disengaged at work from time to time. You can choose to be motivated. If you need a little help with that motivation, check out the list of quotes above. Success stems from consistent hard work, not occasional flashes of effort.

Have you been trying and failing to stay motivated at work? Can’t seem to find any inspiration? It might be time for a change. Let Gallman Consulting help you find a more motivating workplace for you.