Everyone’s been there. Suddenly your brilliant career seems more like a daily grind rather than an expression of personal passion. Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to do. As a coach, I talk with a lot of people who’ve lost their enthusiasm. Life and work are always easier when you’re passionate.
Most coaches will advise you to look inward before making a drastic decision to change career path. What if your problem — along with solutions — can be found inside yourself? If so, you would be able to change your thinking, beliefs, or level of engagement as you strive to make work more passionate and meaningful.
This is a good time to review your values and purpose with your coach. Here are some of the questions I ask my coaching clients:
- What was initially attractive about your job?
- When you began your career, what did you expect or hope for?
- In the early days, how did work excite you?
- What has changed?
People are often surprised by their answers, having forgotten their early enthusiasm. To rekindle your drive, explore three key issues with your coach:
- Identify your core values.
- Know and manage your strengths well.
- Determine how your values fit with who you are today.
Few people are well aware of their strengths. This may be a good opportunity to take some assessments with your coach, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Big Five Personality Test (you can take a free version online). Another is the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths.
The wisest people are those who use their feelings of malaise to find out what drives them, what their strengths are, and use coaching to rekindle their spirits.
Rekindle Your Personal Passion at Work
How can you rekindle personal passion for the work you do? Try to connect with your values and highest purpose every time you walk into the office, whenever you chat with a client or coworker, and even when completing routine tasks like paperwork.
Don’t allow yourself to fall into a zombie-like routine and forget what you love doing and are good at. Remind yourself: This is why I’m here.
As for me, this is why I’m here: to help others find their passion and purpose through coaching, and help others discover how they can use their talents and strengths to thrive. I’d love to hear what’s happening where you work. You can contact me here or on LinkedIn.
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Nancy – Thanks for always keeping us inspired. From an enthusiastic cheerleader at heart!
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