Harvard Business Review explains four of those common myths —with a notable debunking of the notion that working longer hours means more accomplished— and why they just don’t work in today’s modern career landscape.

Read more at Harvard Business Review …

Unfortunately, 40% of employees indicated they have difficulty staying motivated at work, according to a 2009 survey conducted by job search engine Careerbuilder.com.

“The fallout of this economic downturn is taking a toll on the mettle of corporate professionals,” states Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., talent management guru and former chairman of the international Society of Human Resources Management association.

Unlike the usual causes of diminished self-motivation, Taylor suggests this current decline is the result of faltering self- and employer-confidence, widespread corporate mistrust and a constant state of being mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed by aspects of this recession.

“External stimuli aside, self-motivation is the fundamental impetus for most professionals’ work initiative, follow through and inclination to take responsibility; without it one’s work ethic, ability to add value and capacity to effectively self-manage performance is severely hampered,” adds Taylor, co-author of The Trouble with HR: An Insider’s Guide to Finding and Keeping the Best People (AMACOM, $27.95). He warns that one’s lack of self-motivation over an extended period of time can have a pervasive and destructive effect on both career success and advancement.

Yet, Taylor insists professionals can stage a comeback and offers the following five strategies for finding more moxie in 2010:

Address the internal causes of low self-motivation. “Self-motivation is an inside job,” offers Taylor. Identify problems that stifle professional vigor and implement appropriate solutions to resolve them. For example, if you’re paralyzed by the fear of looming unemployment, update your resume, intensify your networking, and explore other job options.

Minimize environmental factors that drain motivation. “High levels of stress, frustration and low morale can make any work environment toxic,” Taylor explains. Take steps to mitigate the impact of negative surroundings. Avoid engaging in futile complaining and workplace gossip. Navigate precarious office politics with finesse and diplomatic acumen. Reconfigure work processes, systems and interactions to maintain productivity in the face of challenging workplace realities.

Work towards something meaningful. Are you seeking a promotion or considering a career change? Do you want your work to have stronger personal value? Reflect on your professional and personal goals, aspirations, values and convictions. Identify responsibilities of your job that support these items. Bolster your belief in what you do by focusing on these responsibilities and appreciating how your work and outcomes contribute to greater purposes.

Capitalize on the present moment as an opportunity. No matter what state or condition the economy or your company is in – recession, merger or acquisition, recognize opportunities to advance your career. Broaden your work experience by volunteering for extra assignments left undone by workforce reductions. Hire an executive laid off by your company to provide career coaching and specific advice for ascending the corporation’s ranks.

Create a do-it-yourself rewards program. Give yourself frequent pats on the back for a job well done. Earmark time to take a cutting-edge business course or attend a conference. Engage with a diverse network of inspiring mentors. Taylor says: “The best rewards are those that boost our self-esteem, promote our growth and development and help us work to our full potential.”

Duncan

BlackEnterprise.com: As people move into the new year, what are some ways they can make 2009 more productive—both at work and in their home life?

Peggy Duncan: People waste hours a day always looking for something. At home, one of the best things you can do is organize your closet. Go through everything. If you didn’t wear it last year and don’t love it, donate it. If you love it, save it one more year, but if you don’t wear it in 2009, don’t let it see 2010. Put like items together in your closet and sort by color (e.g., suits, light to dark). You’ll start each day with less chaos and stress.

At home and work, prepare for the next day the day or night before.

At work, clear the mess off your desk and create a logical system for paperwork, much like your closet, by putting like subjects together. Then create that same logical system for your computer files. Go through every project you’re doing and develop smarter ways to get them done. Use the right technology to speed everything up.

You have a background in technology. What are some ways people can better use technology to help in their productivity?

[Many] aren’t aware of features in the software they use every day that’s been there for years. Very few take classes, and still use the computer like it’s a typewriter. They don’t click the buttons, nor do they wonder what the buttons do. They spend hours doing something [themselves] that the technology they already have can do in minutes, seconds, or nanoseconds. You can record a quick macro (a series of commands you can capture and run anytime you need to perform the task) that will handle mundane work with the click of a button. A formula in Microsoft Excel takes work you do by hand and figures it out before you can blink.

You can link the information in a spreadsheet with a graph in PowerPoint that gets updated every time Excel changes. You can manage your entire life in Microsoft Outlook: drag from the inbox to the calendar or tasks, save multiple signatures to quickly insert information you send often, view multiple calendars in the background to let you know when everyone can meet, and so much more.

What do you tell someone who is so used to disorganization that it is difficult for them to get into a more streamlined and organized way of living?

They have to want it. A lot of times they’re working like that because no one has ever shown them a different way. They don’t even realize there is a better way.

What is the best way people can learn to balance both what they feel is a necessity and what they feel is needed but is not a top priority – ie., maximizing work time versus making moves to stay healthy (visiting the gym or taking time out for a doctor’s visit)?

You have to have a vision for your life. In your wildest wishes, what would you like to see yourself doing or being? You’ll set short- and long-term goals to attain that vision. Your objectives outline what you need to reach your goals. And you have to put an action plan in place to reach the objectives. At this point, you’ll understand how you should spend your time based on your vision and your values. If you learn how to work smarter, you’ll have time to do everything you want–within reason.

What are some elements to stay away from when trying to become more productive?

Turn off the TV and get off the telephone. Spend your time doing things that will help you reach the goals you’ve set for yourself.

With so many companies cutting budgets, how can managers and top executives increase productivity while not at the expense of their workers?

There is so much wastage. People are spending too much time doing busy work and putting out fires instead of having time to focus on work that adds value. If you organize everything so you can think more clearly, you’ll plan and prioritize better. If you streamline all of your processes and procedures, you’ll make better decisions. If you incorporate technology the right way and with more training, you’ll finish everything quicker and with fewer errors.

To get a head start on organizing your life, use our checklists:

Home Maintenance Checklist

Home Insurance Checklist

Financial Fitness Checklist

Health & Wellness Checklist