Motivation…All Summer Long

reprints


Warm temperatures and sun shining through the office windows makes it hard for even the most focused worker to stay on track. Sometimes the mere thought of a summer vacation can keep you on task. However, if you’re like me and have returned from a fun-filled trip (see last week’s column on inspiring travel for more on that topic), how do you stay motivated?

Rather than sharing my own thoughts on what keeps me on task and happy from June through the tail end of August, I decided to interview several members of our staff to round up their suggestions for making the dog days of summer more productive. Here’s what they had to say:

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Having lunch in Madison Square Park with my fellow coworkers breaks up the day and gives me something to look forward to. On a nice summer day, I also walk around the block at 3 pm to break up the time between lunch and the end of a workday. It’s nice to get the blood flowing in your legs after sitting in your chair all day. – Project Architect

I workout as much as I can throughout the day. I always walk at least a mile during lunch and keep a small pedal bike under my desk. I run when I get home as long as it’s still light out. Exercising really helps keeps my energy and motivation up. – Junior Architect

Since I can’t make it to the beach during the week, I like to dress in brighter colors and lighter fabrics while keeping a sense of professionalism in my appearance! – Interior Designer

It helps to take a small ‘time out’ during the day. Bonding over a game of Uno in Herald Square’s ‘Broadway Bites’ area is a great way to do this! – Workplace Strategist

Walking to Bryant Park with coworkers for lunch and sitting on the lawn, watching ‘Broadway in the Park’ makes any day better. One thing that helped make June more enjoyable was watching the World Cup in the conference room. – Junior Architect

For some, it is as simple as…lots of red bull! – Director of Information Technology

My secret: An endless supply of Swedish fish and peanut butter M&Ms. – Executive Assistant

While there’s still plenty of work to be done, even in August, I hope you — like all of us at Spector — can find a moment to make the most of the fresh air and summer season. Here’s to the last few weeks of summer!

sespector@spectorgroup.com

Scott E. Spector, AIA, is a principal at Spector Group, one of New York’s premier architecture and interior design firms and a leader in corporate tenant and building owner-based design. The award-winning company has affiliate offices nationally and internationally. To date, it has completed more than 1,500 projects.