I've found that switching focus helps keep prolonged unproductive periods to a minimum.
For example, I try to keep a couple of projects going on at the same time - I generally have a major release in development for our team's primary product at all times. This is my "main work".
I also have one or two smaller projects at some stage of design or development as well - perhaps a prototype to try show the business owners a cool new idea or some type of development or administration tool which would help support the primary project. Usually, I try to learn a new technology or language while solving a problem related to our business.
When I find myself become unproductive on my main work, I switch focus temporarily to one of the smaller projects. These projects tend to be personal (although work-related) and don't have fixed delivery dates. Without the pressure of a strict schedule or external expectations, I can more easily work on these projects and rediscover my ambition.
It usually doesn't take more than a day or so to get my motivation back and I return to working on my main project with my usual productivity.
For example, I try to keep a couple of projects going on at the same time - I generally have a major release in development for our team's primary product at all times. This is my "main work".
I also have one or two smaller projects at some stage of design or development as well - perhaps a prototype to try show the business owners a cool new idea or some type of development or administration tool which would help support the primary project. Usually, I try to learn a new technology or language while solving a problem related to our business.
When I find myself become unproductive on my main work, I switch focus temporarily to one of the smaller projects. These projects tend to be personal (although work-related) and don't have fixed delivery dates. Without the pressure of a strict schedule or external expectations, I can more easily work on these projects and rediscover my ambition.
It usually doesn't take more than a day or so to get my motivation back and I return to working on my main project with my usual productivity.