To be happy 7 things will make work more meaningful and satisfying.

Most people look for a job, something that pays the bills or preferably provides significant income.

Many have impressive credentials, flattering titles and numerous accomplishments.?However, they often experience job dissatisfaction because they aren’t doing something they love that inspires meaning.

People that pursue a vocation honor their purpose and emphasize work with intrinsic value because they operate with the inspiration of a higher calling.

When we understand our purpose, we make decisions consistent with a deep appreciation of our professional ambitions motivated by values that are clearly defined.

We seek work that is satisfying, meaningful and highly rewarding.

Ironically, most people have an inclination of their purpose sometime early in life. However, they learn to distrust their intuition. This results in shoving aside our authentic self in exchange for a suitable alternative.

Our genuine desires are cast away in favor of something “more practical” and "safe". It’s often well intended family or friends that discouraged our aspirations, but the result is still the same: we compromise.

So how do we rediscover professional ebullience and create work that is fulfilling and financially rewarding.

“If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful after all”. - Michelangelo

Here are 7 things many people do that prevent them from finding satisfying careers:

Too safe

As I have discussed in previous articles, fear of failure is incredibly common.?It prevents many people from even trying predicated on the belief failure is imminent.?As a result, they avoid taking the necessary risks that set all professionally satisfied people apart.?Relocating, leaving a job we dislike and starting a business requires concurring our fears.

Too comfortable

Human beings are designed to be comfortable, and nowhere is the propensity to be comfortable more apparent than at work.?We settle for a job because its familiar, not because we love our work or enjoy the rewards of a satisfying profession.?Making positive change requires getting outside our comfort zone.?When we get too comfortable, we feel powerless.?Options seem limited because our future is decided by someone or something outside our control.???

Too timid

Most people follow common protocol.?Get a degree then look for a job.?They do all the predictable things people do when they look for “work”.?Without being bold we never discover professional ebullience.?Trepidation inspires a reactive response to building a career.?Finding a vocation requires being proactive and it requires being assertive.

Too compliant

Many people succumb to the pressure of doing what’s fashionable.?Following the advice of parents or trusted friends, we pursue the safe alternative.??We say yes when we should say no. We please people by pursuing the impressive degree or opportunity that pays the most.??In the process we surrender our ambitions in favor of appeasing those around us.???

“You are what you do. If you do boring, stupid, monotonous work, chances are you'll end up boring, stupid, and monotonous”.

Too fragile

Everyone is in love with the idea of being successful.?Very few people on the planet will do what’s required to achieve great success.?It's hard work and we need to have extraordinary work ethic and drive.?We live in a world of unrealistic expectations that celebrates the fantasy of success. Most people are too soft to endure the struggle of reaching the top 1% and fewer still actually enjoy their work.?That’s a rare combination reserved for people with thick skin, grit and unrelenting determination.??????

Too afraid

Arrogance and pride prevent many people from admitting they don’t know it all.?Human beings suffer from confirmation bias, and it applies to our assessment of our entrepreneurial capabilities.?Researchers have studied entrepreneurs for decades.?Over 85% fail despite believing they are exceptional businesspeople.?Many have impressive degrees, and most are incredibly talented.?One thing they lack, humility and the ability to ask for help when they need it most. The same rule applies to finding meaningful work.?Connect with successful people that can help pave the way for our future success.?????

Too many excuses

We live in a world that celebrates excuses and victimhood.?People and politicians dream up explanations to justify their personal and professional failures.?They refuse to admit their mistakes, so they assign blame and make excuses for why they can’t succeed.?Pathetic and uninspiring, yes.?Effective for getting results, no.?No matter who we are and where we reside on the socio-economic ladder, we will never succeed if we embrace this limited way of thinking.?Never.??

“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it”. - Buddha

Sum it up

What would you advise for people seeking vocational satisfaction? Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.??Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.?Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.?Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.?Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!