How to Find Meaning in Your Work

Most of us want meaningful work. We want to feel that our jobs make a difference to other people and that we are contributing something larger than ourselves.

Finding meaning on day-to-day can be a challenge. You may wonder, what's the point? Focusing exclusively on our immediate tasks makes it easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. And when we are out of sync with the bigger picture, fulfillment and satisfaction can seem far away and hurt our work quality and productivity.

What can you do to change your perspective on work? There are many different ways you can find purpose. Here are some ideas.

Reflect on your values.

Reflecting on what you care about and what motivates you.

Ask yourself: What drives me? What are my values? What am I good at doing? And what contributions do I want to make? You don't need to be curing diseases or saving the planet for your work to be meaningful. Think about what excites you about working at your organization. Consider the projects and plans that are energizing and what you're excited to learn in your job. Reflect on the interesting problems your organization is tackling.

If you need clarification, talk to your coworkers and team members. Ask them: "Why does our work matter right now?" Piggybacking on their energy and insights could help you regain inspiration.

Link Tasks Back to Larger Company Goals

Purpose cannot be mandated. Managers should commit to a clear vision and share it with employees to ensure that all employees see their everyday tasks as contributions to an overarching goal. Rather than imposing it from the top down, leaders should use effective onboarding processes and model their values in daily interactions to empower employees to make decisions that support the company's vision. If managers are clear on the "why" behind tasks and give their team a clear indication of how they are contributing and adding purpose, they will feel more fulfilled.

Tailor your current job with an eye toward purpose

Job crafting is another strategy?that can help spark your enthusiasm for work. Look for ways to make new contributions to make your presence at your organization more meaningful. Consider how your strengths, skills, and passions could help your organization handle challenges.

Connect with colleagues

Even if you've lost your enthusiasm for your organization's mission, hopefully, it doesn't mean you've lost your excitement for your team and coworkers. Make a concerted effort to connect with colleagues that you enjoy. Reflect on your gratitude for certain colleagues," and?then demonstrate your appreciation.

Research?shows that expressing gratitude grounds you and counterbalances the negativity that uncertainty generates. Telling others what they mean to you is a meaningful experience in its own right.

You can use your bosses or internal resources to find new opportunities or roles.?If you still need to find more fulfillment, are bored by what you're doing, and are not feeling inspired by the work, it may be time to take the leap and try something new.

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