How Can I Motivate Myself?

23 Sep, 2009 By: Robert Green

CAD Manager's Toolbox: The past year has been hard on CAD managers, but it's time to get reinvigorated.

I've received a number of gloomy emails from CAD managers in the past year. With economic problems, layoffs, and the like, you can forgive people for getting a little down. So the question might be, "How do I get past this funk and get motivated again?"

I wish I could snap my fingers and make the economy better, but since I can't, I'll offer the following suggestions for you to try in the meantime:

Learn something new about CAD that interests you. Learn it on your own time and reap the motivational benefits of getting out of your rut. During this downturn, I'm digging in to learn more about programming environments and simulation. Learning something new has me pumped up — and it'll work for you too.
Tell your boss that you'd like to tackle some projects that have been put off. There's nothing like working through a backlog to give you a sense of accomplishment.
Advocate for CAD management–intensive tasks like training and standards. If business is down, your company might be willing to invest your time (if not money) if you'll take the lead.
Push for investigating new software for your company. Investigating doesn't cost much, but you'll learn a lot and new technology could prepare your company to move forward when the downturn reverses.

CAD managers have had it pretty tough lately, so it is understandable that you may feel a bit down and lack motivation. Try some of the tips above to rekindle your desire to learn and perform CAD management, and you may find your motivation coming back.

About the Author: Robert Green

AutoCAD Tips!

Lynn Allen

Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen guides you through a different AutoCAD feature in every edition of her popular "Circles and Lines" tutorial series. For even more AutoCAD how-to, check out Lynn's quick tips in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Subscribe to Cadalyst's Tips & Tricks Tuesdays free e-newsletter and we'll notify you every time a new video tip is available. All exclusively from Cadalyst!
Follow Lynn on Twitter

Latest News from Cadalyst Partners

Feed
The Infinite Resource: the case for GMO instead of organic farming 22 May, 2013

I have no desire to eat pesticides. I really don't. Actually when I was a child growing up in New Orleans, a "fog truck" used to come down our...More>>Read more It's Alive in the Lab blog posts>>

Feed
TERA Semicon Drives Its Own Destiny with CAD and PDM 22 May, 2013

When you read the history of TERA Semicon, you can see right away that the company has had a strong vision and direction from Day 1. The South Korean...More>>Read more PTC Creo blog posts>>

Feed
Excel Hyperlinks & Document Management Tricks 22 May, 2013

Do you have to keep track of a lot of different folders and files? Do you wish you peers could open the correct Revit file? Are you tired of having...More>>Read more BIMbuilder blog posts>>

Feed
SolidWorks Simulation Tips: Parameters and Design Studies 22 May, 2013

In my opinion, one of the most underutilized tools in SolidWorks Simulation is the Design Study. Design studies allow you to easily set up a...More>>Read more SolidWorks Blog posts>>

Feed
Is This the All-in-One Bike Helmet of the Future? 22 May, 2013

For those used to cycling on busy city streets (NYC comes to mind), the need for swift reaction times could be compared to that of catching a fly...More>>Read more SolidSmack blog posts>>

Poll

What type of input device (besides the keyboard) do you use at your primary CAD workstation?

	Standard mouse
	Trackball mouse
	Programmable mouse
	3D navigation device
	Pen/tablet
	Multiple devices

Considering Wide Format Printing Solutions?
Four FREE White Papers Available: