Ask HN: How to develop a good work ethic?

[throway-4389]

(throwaway for obvious reasons)

I am in my mid 30s and average at work. As WFH started since covid I have been on the downward spiral. I find ways to waste time during my work day that results in a guilt trip. This is accentuated by the fact that at my role, I am expected to drive things without anyone breathing down my neck telling what to do.

Going to office doesn't really help as I am still stuck in the same mental cage.

I am looking for wisdom on building a good work ethic that puts me on the path of progress.

[Quinzel]

In my job, I do the stuff I’m supposed to do even when I don’t want to because if I cut corners and did a half arse effort, in some instances people might literally die. I don’t always feel like doing my job properly, there are many times I think to myself “I can’t be arsed” but then somehow, I muster up the inner strength to do the shit I can’t be bothered doing. I wouldn’t call it intrinsic motivation or extrinsic motivation because I do it while feeling wholly unmotivated the entire time. Especially lately because I just quite frankly feel mega burnt out.

It’s more like fulfilling my obligations. Sometimes we don’t do things because we want to or because we like to, sometimes we just do it because we have an obligation to do it.