Has it gone from just another manic Monday to endless days that make it hard to feel motivated? Sometimes work can feel like a grind and career development out of reach or pointless.
Maybe the career you dreamed of might not be as engaging or rewarding as you hoped. Or, perhaps, you like the work you do but there are personality conflicts (like a coworker who is a high performer who doesn’t play nice with others), a new boss who wants to take things in a new direction or growing responsibilities that are stressful.
What can you do to rekindle or find passion for your career when you’re just not feeling it?
Recognize what’s happening
Sometimes you’re going through a brief phase – a period of transition, stress or change. And, sometimes the honeymoon is over. You’re settled in and things aren’t as exciting as when you first started.
Other folks find there are seasons, an ebb and flow. Sometimes they’re fine and other times negativity takes over. Are you someone who finds the dreary winter months emotionally and mentally challenging?
Take a moment to reflect. Why are you not enjoying work currently?
Are you bored? It’s human nature to crave something new, different or exciting.
Is it possible your lack of passion is because you’re overwhelmed? Shifts in attitude can be signs that you’re overworked.
Stepping back and considering why or what is not working for you in the workplace can help you figure out how to move forward constructively.
Here are some ways to find and reignite your passion:
Think about what you can change
If you feel stagnant, what would make your work more exciting? Perhaps there’s a conference or some career development opportunities that you’d enjoy and that would give you new tools – or a new project or role you could take on. If you’re overwhelmed, take steps to delegate more effectively.
Consider your current work and personal life
If work perpetually dominates your weeks, days and even weekends, it might be time to get things balanced better. Would flex time or different work hours help you schedule work and home life better? Sometimes it’s a matter of making work-life synergy a priority. If you are burned out or close to it, it might also be time for a vacation where you’re unplugged.
Think about your coworkers and your workplace
If you feel discontented or disconnected, that could adversely affect your passion for work. Are you frustrated by something or someone? Destructive workplace conflict or working when your values don’t align with the organization’s values can wreak havoc on job satisfaction.
Shift your mindset
When you sense that you’re bored or frustrated but would miss this job if you left, it’s possible to change the way you think about your work. Write out what you like about your work. Journaling is a great way to cultivate gratitude and notice your growth (even small gains matter!). There are practical ways to get motivated and find enthusiasm for your job. Sometimes even just a list of pros and cons helps us focus on what we need.
Get back to basics
Think about what drew you to this phase of your career. Why did you want this job? Have you achieved your original goals professionally and personally? Where are the gaps? What are the positives? Rediscover what makes you love what you do. Or, perhaps, it might be time to stretch and explore new opportunities (and they don’t have to be higher on the ladder to be satisfying – sometimes it’s time for a lateral move).
Determine growth opportunities
Are there ways you can build your skillset, boost your confidence or strengthen your CV? Knowledge and curiosity can rekindle your passion, so explore career development opportunities. Are there things you wanted to do in your personal life? Maybe now is the time to join a club, volunteer, take a class for fun or pursue the hobby you always said you would take up when you had time. Most folks need more than just work to find a sense of joie de vivre.
Do some goal-setting work around career development
When was the last time you thought about setting goals? Knowing your why helps you focus and feel motivated. Then you can reassess and take steps to get your goals back on track.
Surround yourself with inspiring people
This might be finding a mentor or a coach to give you guidance and support. It might be actively building strong relationships with your team or accelerating your leadership with the power of peer learning.
Coach’s Questions:
Where do you find joy and meaning in your life? What is important to you? What actions can you take to rekindle a sense of purpose and satisfaction?
