You're struggling to stay motivated in your sustainability career. What can you do to reignite your passion?

1 Reconnect with your purpose

One of the most powerful sources of motivation is your sense of purpose. Why did you choose to pursue a sustainability career in the first place? What are the values, goals, and visions that drive you? Remind yourself of the positive impact you are making or want to make in the world. Write down your personal mission statement and review it regularly. Find ways to align your daily tasks with your larger purpose. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and share them with others who support your cause.

2 Learn new skills

Another way to boost your motivation is to challenge yourself to learn new skills or deepen your existing ones. Sustainable design is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that requires constant adaptation and innovation. You can enrich your knowledge and creativity by exploring new topics, tools, or methods related to your work. For example, you could take an online course, read a book, watch a webinar, or join a workshop. You could also seek feedback, mentoring, or coaching from experts or peers in your field.

3 Seek inspiration

Sometimes, you may feel stuck or discouraged by the problems you are facing in your sustainability career. In such cases, you may need some inspiration to spark your enthusiasm and optimism. You can find inspiration in various sources, such as nature, art, literature, music, or spirituality. You can also look for examples of successful sustainable design projects, initiatives, or leaders that demonstrate the possibilities and solutions for a better future. You can also connect with other sustainability professionals or communities that share your passion and values.

4 Practice self-care

Your motivation and resilience also depend on your physical and mental well-being. Working in sustainability can be stressful and demanding, so you need to take care of yourself and avoid burnout. You can do this by adopting healthy habits, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and meditating. You can also set boundaries, prioritize your tasks, delegate or outsource when possible, and take breaks. You can also seek support from your friends, family, or colleagues when you feel overwhelmed or need to vent.

5 Have fun

Finally, don't forget to have fun in your sustainability career. Fun is not only enjoyable, but also beneficial for your motivation, creativity, and productivity. You can inject some fun into your work by adding humor, playfulness, or gamification to your tasks or projects. You can also reward yourself with something you love, such as a hobby, a treat, or a trip. You can also have fun with your coworkers or collaborators by organizing social events, activities, or challenges that foster camaraderie and joy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?