by Anishametra Saravanan

Writer Annie Dillard once said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” For many of us, a large portion of our days are spent at work. In fact, it is said that the average person will spend 90,000 hours (about 10 and a half years) at work, over a lifetime. 

We spend a significant portion of our lives working, but how many of us can truly say we know why we do what we do? Sure, earning a pay cheque is at the top of our list, but is that enough to feel fulfilled and motivated in our careers? Without a clear understanding of our ‘why’ at work, it’s easy to lose sight of our purpose and passion, leading to a lack of engagement and satisfaction in life. 

So, what exactly is a ‘why’?  

Our ‘why’ is our underlying reason for doing what we do every day. It’s the purpose that motivates us and gives us a sense of fulfilment in our work. Discovering our purpose requires introspection and reflection, and it’s not always a straightforward process. However, taking the time to explore our motivations can be a game-changer in terms of career fulfillment. If you want to explore and find more meaning in your work, consider some of the following steps: 

One way to begin exploring your ‘why’ is to consider your values. When your work aligns with your values, you’re more likely to find meaning and purpose in what you do. For example, if you value helping the people around you, a career in healthcare or social work may be a natural fit. On the other hand, if you value creativity, a career in the arts or design may be more fulfilling to you. 

Learning about why and who you serve in your role can help you find meaning in your career. By understanding the mission and vision of the company you’re employed at, you will be able to learn the purpose of your work and find more motivation to stay productive. 

For instance, if you create products, consider learning who uses them and where. If you’re doing a service for clients, consider getting to know your clients better and learning how your work can improve their lives.  

Let’s try a quick exercise; think of an experience that made you feel a sense of fulfilment at work. Based on that experience, let’s answer a few of these questions: 

• What made that experience meaningful to you? 
• Was it the task itself or the impact it had on others? 
• Was it the sense of accomplishment or the feeling of being part of a team? 

By looking back on your past experiences, you can gain insight into what drives you and what you want to prioritise in your career. 

As Thomas Edison famously said, ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’ 

Recognising your improvement from months, or even just weeks ago can help you understand your progress and ensure your professional satisfaction. Taking the time to acknowledge your achievements can help you understand that you’re growing and continuously building new skills. It can also help you prevent burnout and feel more satisfied with your role and professional contributions to your department and organisation. 

If you’re looking for meaning in your role, consider aspiring to develop your talents and become an expert in your organisation or department. Being bored with your day-to-day roles may be a sign to up the ante at work by setting more challenges in your workflow. For example, if you have a productivity goal, consider raising it by a reasonable amount as a personal challenge for that week. 

Another way you can gain expertise is by attending job-related workshops, conferences and training in career-related skills. Developing a higher competency regarding what you do may help you find more meaning through continuous learning. 

Ultimately, discovering your ‘why’ at work is a journey. Although it may take time and effort to fully uncover, the rewards are well worth it. When we understand our motivations and passions, we’re more likely to feel fulfilled, engaged, and satisfied in our careers. So, take the time to reflect on your values, goals, and past experiences, and don’t be afraid to make changes to align your work with your ‘why’. Your career and personal well–being will thank you for it! 

Source:

Indeed