Rediscovering Professional Passion: Reigniting Your Role at Work

​I want to tackle a sensitive topic that’s happened to all of us at one point or another. You wake up one morning, and that once-burning flame of excitement and motivation for your job has flickered out. The spark that once ignited your drive seems like a distant memory. Let's get honest; we've all been there (myself included). This is what it feels like when you've lost that loving feeling at work, and it can be very disturbing (even downright scary). But hang tight! Today, we're going to explore some practical steps to help you reconnect with your role and find that passion again.

• Reflect on the Past: 
  Take a trip down memory lane. Recall what initially attracted you to this job. Was it the challenge, the opportunity for growth, or the chance to make a difference? By revisiting your past motivations, you can regain clarity about why you chose this path and either reignite that initial enthusiasm, or understand what’s changed for yourself so you can make an informed and clear decision about what you do next.

 

• Seek New Perspectives: 
  Talk to your colleagues, supervisors, or mentors about your feelings (being careful to reflect your high performance, so they know there hasn’t been a change there); a career coach is also an invaluable source of fresh perspective. Share your concerns and express your desire to emotionally re-engage. Others may offer fresh insights, advice, or opportunities for growth within your current role. Sometimes, a different perspective can unlock new possibilities and reignite your engagement in your role.

 

• Redefine Your Goals: 
  Lost motivation often stems from feeling stagnant or unchallenged. Set new goals that align with your personal and professional aspirations. Break them down into achievable milestones, allowing yourself to experience small wins along the way. By pursuing meaningful goals, you can inject purpose into your work and find renewed motivation.  These can include broadening your skills and knowledge, and/or pursuing the next level in your career.

 

• Expand Your Skill Set: 
  Monotony can drain the life out of any job. Challenge yourself to learn new skills or take on additional responsibilities that are in alignment with your long-term career goals. Seek out training, workshops, or coaching programs that align with your interests and career path. Expanding your knowledge and skill set can inject fresh energy into your work and help you feel more engaged.
  
  
• Embrace Change: 
  ​Sometimes, change is necessary to rediscover your passion. Consider seeking new challenges within your organization or exploring opportunities elsewhere.  Looking around to see what’s out there is a good way to see what’s possible in your profession, it provides ideas to expand your current role into areas of interest, and lets you learn about possible new career opportunities. A new role, team, or industry might be just what you need to reignite your love for work. Embrace the unknown and be open to new possibilities (it never hurts to see what your options are).

 

• Find Meaning Outside of Work: 
  ​Remember, your job doesn't define you entirely, nor can it fulfill you if it’s an all-consuming focus. Cultivate a rich and fulfilling life beyond the role you hold. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and pursue personal interests. By finding fulfillment outside of work, you'll bring a renewed sense of joy and purpose into your professional life.

 
Losing that loving feeling at work is a common phenomenon, but it doesn't have to be a permanent state. By reflecting on your past, seeking new perspectives, setting goals, expanding your skills, embracing change, and finding meaning outside of work, you can reignite the fire within and rediscover your passion. Remember, your role can evolve, and you have the power to shape it into something meaningful. So, take control, and make every day at work an opportunity for enjoyment, growth and fulfillment. You've got this!

Free resources that offer more than meditation. 

​Because it's time we talk about emotional wellbeing at work.

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