Most people's motivation dips from time to time. A task drags on, distractions pile up, or a project stops feeling as clear as it did at the start. Working alone, you can get too close to a problem to judge it fairly. Feedback from someone else can show you where you are doing well, where you are stuck and what to try next.
What feedback can and cannot do
Another person may confirm that you are on the right track, which can be encouraging. They may also spot a problem early, before it costs you more time. Useful feedback points to something specific: what to keep doing, what to change, or what to look into further.
A clear next step can make it easier to restart, although feedback will not necessarily address the reason your motivation has dipped. If you are exhausted, unwell, overloaded or missing the resources you need, those problems may need tackling directly.
Ask the right people the right questions
General questions tend to get general answers. Rather than "Is this any good?", ask "Is the main point clear, and where would an example help?" Before asking, decide which part of the work you are unsure about, when you need a reply and how you plan to use it. Keep the request manageable and agree a time that suits the other person.
Choose people whose judgement you trust, such as a manager, colleague, tutor, friend or mentor. Trust alone is not enough, though. Consider whether the person understands the task, can give examples to back up their view, and is judging your work against an agreed goal or standard. One person's preference is not necessarily evidence that something needs changing.
For advice on career goals, skills or job applications, the National Careers Service offers free, impartial support in England. Elsewhere, see Skills Development Scotland's My World of Work, Careers Wales or the Careers Service in Northern Ireland.
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Build in points to review your progress
For longer projects, feedback at useful stages can help you spot problems and adjust your approach. Breaking a larger aim into smaller steps gives you something concrete to show people and a chance to change course before moving on.
If you want regular checkpoints, put them in your diary, as unscheduled reviews are easy to skip when you are busy. Make time to assess your own progress against your goals too. Other people's views should inform your judgement, not replace it.
Respond to feedback and check the results
Not all feedback is easy to hear. Listen carefully and ask questions if something is unclear. You can ask for specific examples, explain relevant context or pause the conversation. You do not have to accept insults, discriminatory comments or bullying as useful feedback.
You also do not have to agree with every comment, but it is worth considering each one before deciding what to do. Then pick one or two practical changes and start there, because trying to act on everything at once can stall you again. After trying a change, check whether it has improved the result. If it has not, reconsider the advice or try another approach.
Try to separate comments about your work from judgements about your worth as a person. If criticism regularly leaves you feeling low or anxious, it may help to talk to someone. Mind has information on looking after your mental health, and you can find support through NHS.uk in England, NHS inform in Scotland, NHS 111 Wales and nidirect in Northern Ireland. Your GP can also advise on further support.
To get started, choose one useful question, ask someone well placed to answer it, and decide what to try next.
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