What do you do if your motivation is waning in your mid-career?

I have to remember,mid-career is a time of growth and self-discovery. Small adjustments and a renewed focus on purpose can help reignite your motivation and enthusiasm.

Are you able to identify any of the reasons your motivation seems to be waning? Understanding what's missing is key to addressing and elevating your motivation. For example, is there too much predictability in your daily assignments? If so, are there opportunities in your realm of responsibility to mix it up? Are there internal opportunities for movement that would provide you with fresh challenges? Projects you can collaborate on with co-workers or supervisors? Additional training or continuing education to work on for future movement? On another note, if you are just fed up with your career in its current form, maybe looking for something new altogether is the way to go - a new field or city. May be time to polish the resume!

Reassessing goals have a lot of merit especially if you have skills in more than one industry. Spend a moment looking at one of those industries to see if you can expand on your strengths, etc.

Acknowledge the Feeling: Start by acknowledging that feeling a lack of motivation is a common experience, especially in the middle of a career journey. It's normal to encounter periods of doubt or fatigue. Reflect on the Source: Take some time to reflect on what might be causing your motivation to wane. Is it burnout from overwork? Lack of recognition or growth opportunities? Or perhaps you're feeling disconnected from your work's purpose? Reconnect with Your Goals: Remind yourself of why you chose this career path in the first place. Reflect on your long-term goals and aspirations. Are you still aligned with them, or do you need to reassess and redefine your objectives? Seek Inspiration:

Seeking new challenges can be a revitalizing strategy when motivation dips mid-career. Dive into projects that stretch your abilities or involve skills you haven’t fully exploited. Maybe tackle a role or task outside your usual scope to stir up excitement and learn something new. This pursuit not only reignites your enthusiasm but also broadens your skill set, making you more versatile and valuable in your career. Embracing challenges can also lead to unexpected opportunities, potentially opening new pathways that reignite passion and drive.

Taking courses or getting a certification in something that’s completely unrelated to your industry can sometimes be a significant jolt. Expanding your skills in something that you’re purely passionate about or interested in gives you the opportunity to open up your mind to new or elevated experiences.

Expanding your skill set is great especially for us older job seekers. I have found it impossible though to find classes I can actually go sit in. They are online now.....

Networking is very hard for introverts, shy folks. I see the possible benefits if you know a ton of people but if you do not then it is extremely hard.

Expanding your network can rekindle motivation in your mid-career by opening doors to new perspectives and opportunities. Actively connect with peers in your field and related industries through professional events, seminars, and online platforms like LinkedIn. These connections can offer fresh insights, advice, and even partnerships that fuel your enthusiasm. Networking isn't just about gaining contacts; it's about exchanging ideas that can lead to innovative projects and collaborative endeavors, keeping your career vibrant and dynamic.

Of course offline networking is very important, but online networking (i.e. via LinkedIn) is also a nice opportunity in our digital world - maybe a better way for introverts.

Also consider taking one more step in the environmental adjustment process. Take some time off and travel to a place where you have never visited before. Go to a country that you have always wanted to see, and take the time to pack your camera, your digital devices, your sketchbook, your journal, and your open mind. Now it is a real change of scenery, language, food and more. You will thank yourself afterwards for taking this big step outward and upward.

Absolutely agree! The link between a well-designed work environment and increased motivation and productivity can't be overstated. Simple changes like ergonomic furniture, a well-organized layout, and personal touches not only enhance comfort but also significantly boost morale and efficiency. It's interesting how even small adjustments can make a big difference in our daily work experience and overall well-being.

While we may desire a formula for maintaining a consistent level of motivation for our work, we are human, and motivation fluctuates naturally. Reflective practice helps us tune into and assess our daily experiences, our emotional and physical well-being, and the natural fluctuations in our motivation. Regular reflective practice helps us deepen our understanding of when our motivation soars, when it dips, or when it flattens. Regularly setting aside 10 - 15 minutes at the end of every workday to reflect on how we experienced the day creates space to feel and observe shifts in motivation and the impact on our work. This experiential information helps us make necessary adjustments or contemplate appropriate changes to our lives.

Great suggestion! Implementing a daily reflection practice is indeed a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It not only helps in tracking accomplishments and challenges but also enhances self-awareness, allowing us to understand our motivation levels better. This introspective practice can be incredibly effective in staying aligned with our career goals and maintaining focus. I believe making this a routine could really help in proactively managing and improving our work life.

Follow your dreams. It’s never too late.

Discover if all of your personal/professional needs are being met (I.e. One potential cause of your dwindling motivation may relate to your compensation or available vacation time. Family stressors? Counseling or taking advantage of your EAP benefits might suffice in the interim, and so on.) Now, address your passion. Since your current career sector does not drive you any longer, SWITCH LANES. While some professions make this easier than others, obtaining a certificate in related departments may allow your current employer to view you through a new lens. Rebranding yourself is essential in mid-career discovery. Being established in your work does not remove value. Your time has not yet run its course.

Discover if all of your personal/professional needs are being met (I.e. One potential cause of your dwindling motivation may relate to your compensation or available vacation time. Family stressors? Counseling or taking advantage of your EAP benefits might suffice in the interim, and so on.) Now, address your passion. Since your current career sector does not drive you any longer, SWITCH LANES. While some professions make this easier than others, obtaining a certificate in related departments may allow your current employer to view you through a new lens. Rebranding yourself is essential in mid-career discovery. Being established in your work does not remove value. Your time has not yet run its course.

Another critical factor to consider is seeking mentorship. Engaging with a mentor can provide guided insights and strategies to navigate your mid-career slump. Mentors offer valuable experience, can help identify areas for improvement, and may open doors to new opportunities within your industry. Additionally, mentorship fosters personal growth by encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges with a supportive guide by your side, making the journey through career stagnation less daunting and more structured.