Getting the Better of Your Mood

Life at the workplace is full of demands, deadlines, and high expectations. It’s easy to wake up some days feeling completely unmotivated. I once received a message from a young executive saying, “Pastor, please pray for me today as I am in no mood to work.” The simple truth is, If you let your moods dictate your work, you might never reach your full potential. So, how do you overcome this and stay productive even on days when you don’t feel like it?

The Problem with Mood-Driven Work

The temptation to work only when you feel like it can severely limit your success. You might have heard phrases like “Follow your passion” or “Work should be fun.” While it’s true that you should enjoy what you do, the reality is that not every day will be filled with excitement. Imagine if athletes only trained when they were in the mood—many wouldn’t make it to the Olympics. Similarly, your career won’t thrive if you let your mood control your actions.

In Proverbs 14:23 (ESV), it says, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” This scripture teaches us that success comes through diligent work, regardless of how you feel. There’s value in pushing through the tough days. It’s in the daily grind that greatness is forged.

Understanding Your Feelings

Before you can conquer your moods, it’s important to understand them. Our emotions are influenced by several factors—stress, lack of sleep, unresolved personal issues, or even something as simple as hunger. On those low-energy days, take a moment to ask yourself why you’re feeling this way. Identifying the root cause can sometimes be the first step toward overcoming it.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of self-awareness in Proverbs 4:23 (NIVUK), “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” By being mindful of your emotional and spiritual state, you can better control your actions and responses.

Shift from Feelings to Commitment

Once you’ve identified why you’re feeling unmotivated, the next step is to make a shift from feelings to commitment. Your mood should not determine your commitment to your work. When you show up even when you don’t feel like it, you build the discipline necessary for long-term success.

Lord Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle. When He prayed in Gethsemane, He was deeply troubled, even asking if the cup of suffering could pass from Him (Matthew 26:39, CEV). Yet, He chose commitment over feelings, saying, “Not what I want, but what you want.” This is a powerful reminder that sometimes we must push through uncomfortable feelings to fulfil our purpose.

Some Practical Tips to Boost Your Productivity

Here are some practical strategies that can help you overcome mood-based work habits:

Break Tasks into Small Steps : Often, feeling overwhelmed can lead to procrastination. By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, you’ll reduce that feeling of being overwhelmed and increase your sense of achievement.
Create a Routine : Athletes don’t decide to train based on how they feel. They have a routine that they stick to regardless of their mood. By establishing a work routine, you can train your mind to perform even when you don’t feel like it. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (MSG) advises, “Whatever turns up, grab it and do it, and heartily!” Consistency in action produces results over time.
Focus on Your “Why” : When motivation fades, it helps to remind yourself of the bigger picture—your “why.” Why did you take this job? Is it to support your family, gain experience, or fulfil a passion? Keeping your purpose in mind will give you the mental energy to push through difficult days.
Prayer and the Word : Whenever your mood gets in the way of your work, take a moment to pause and pray. Philippians 4:13 (TPT) says, “I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance... I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.” Prayer can re-centre you and provide the emotional and spiritual strength needed to carry on.
Get Moving : Sometimes, a short walk or physical movement can break the hold of lethargy. Moving your body helps clear your mind and release endorphins, which can lift your mood.

Transform Your Mindset

Ultimately, overcoming mood-driven work is about transforming your mindset. Romans 12:2 (NLT) teaches, “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” The world may tell you to “follow your heart” or “work when you feel inspired,” but the Bible encourages us to commit ourselves to diligence, discipline, and perseverance.

If you practice these principles consistently, you’ll find that you become more productive and less prone to mood swings. Success doesn’t come to those who wait for the perfect mood—it comes to those who keep showing up.

You’re not alone in this struggle. Every person, no matter how successful, has days when they’re not in the mood to work. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is their ability to push through. Start today by committing to small, consistent steps backed by the power of prayer and Scripture. You’ll soon discover that mood no longer has the final say in your productivity.

Getting the Better of Your Mood

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