Are you feeling a little disconnected from the excitement you once had for your career? You’re not alone. It's natural to feel bogged down by the less enjoyable aspects of your job. But don’t worry, it doesn't necessarily mean it’s time for a career change. Sometimes , all it takes is a little intentional effort to reignite that passion.
Here are some strategies to help you fall in love with your career all over again:
1. Remember Why You Chose Your Career
The first step is to remember the reason why you chose your career path. Take a moment to think about what first inspired you to pursue your career. What were your biggest dreams? Who did you want to help? What unique skill did you bring to the industry?
Consider writing positive affirmations to remind yourself daily. I know, I know, not everyone loves positive affirmations. I'm not telling you to lie to yourself. Write something you do believe. I like to put my positive affirmations on sticky notes on my monitor. While the computer is waking up in the morning, I'm reading my reminder that I am thankful for a job that both provides for my family and allows me the opportunity to protect my client's businesses.
When challenges come up throughout the day (and with a career in insurance, I promise they do), I'm better equipped to handle them because I remember why I'm doing it. Other possible visual cues include a vision board or inspirational quote. I often write down something I heard from that morning's reading to focus on for the day.
How do I reconnect with the purpose of my career?
Reflect on why you chose your career in the first place. Write down your biggest dreams and motivations. Use positive affirmations, vision boards, or quotes to keep these reasons top of mind. These tools serve as daily reminders of the value your work brings to others and your life.
2. Outsource Your Biggest Pain Points:
Is there a particular aspect of your job that consistently drains your energy and enthusiasm? For me it was accounting, it used to take me all day, and the whole time I was stressed that I wasn't doing it right. It was the first thing I outsourced, and it was so freeing. What activities could you outsource? How would that change your day-to-day energy, stress, personal output, etc?
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by certain tasks?
Identify tasks that consistently drain your energy and consider outsourcing them. For example, hire help for accounting, administrative work, or any other repetitive task. This frees up your time and energy to focus on your strengths and higher-value activities.
3. Lean Into Your Strengths:
As much as possible, put your energy into what you do best. We all love the feeling of doing great work. That feeling of accomplishment directly impacts how we feel about our careers. You can have more of that feeling, by doing more of that work. When you are in your genius zone, when you are firing on all cylinders, when you are operating at your best, do more of those tasks. This is likely where you bring the most value to your company.
How can I focus more on what I do best?
Identify your "genius zone" the tasks you excel at and enjoy most. Delegate or minimize other tasks to concentrate on these strengths. Share your expertise with your team to bring maximum value and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from excelling.
4. Take Advantage Of The Perks:
Different careers offer different perks. For some of us, it is traditional benefits such as health insurance, vacation days, and retirement plans. For others, it is the freedom to control our schedules, go to networking events, meet people for lunch, and take snow days with our children. Whatever perks come with your career, be sure to take advantage of them. They are likely part of why you choose your career. Do not miss out on those vacation days. Do not work to the point of exhaustion. Rest is an essential element in loving your career.
How do I make the most of the perks my job offers?
Assess the benefits and unique perks of your job—whether it’s flexibility, health insurance, or vacation time—and ensure you’re using them. Schedule time off, take mental health days, and utilize your flexibility to recharge.
5. Be Intentional About Your Mindset:
Above everything, work on creating a positive mindset about your career. Choose to be thankful. Remind yourself of the best parts of your job and find ways to enjoy the little things. Falling in love with your career again is possible, and you have more influence over it than anyone or any circumstance.
What steps can I take to create a positive mindset about my career?
Practice gratitude by acknowledging what your job provides (e.g., financial stability, personal growth opportunities). Celebrate small wins, find joy in daily tasks, and surround yourself with positive influences like affirmations, books, or a supportive community.
Remember, you have more control over your career satisfaction than you might think. These small changes can make a big difference in how you feel about your work.
Are you ready to fall in love with your work again? Join SWAN today and connect with a community of women who will inspire and support you every step of the way. Email me to learn more!
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