Rediscovering Your Professional Drive: A Journey of Grief, Growth, and Purpose

The pursuit of professional drive is a deeply personal journey, often shaped by pivotal life events. For many, this drive stems from a desire to provide for their families, achieve personal goals, or make a meaningful contribution to society. However, when faced with profound loss, such as the death of a loved one, our motivations can become blurred, and our sense of purpose can feel lost.

In 2019, I experienced the unimaginable grief of losing my eldest daughter. The pain was all-consuming, and it felt as though my world had shattered. In the aftermath, I struggled to find meaning in my work, questioning the very essence of my professional drive. What was I working for? Who was I doing it for? These questions haunted me, leaving me adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Through time, therapy, and the unwavering support of loved ones, I began to piece together a new understanding of my professional drive. I realised that while the pain of my loss would forever remain a part of me, it didn't have to define my future. Instead, I chose to honour my daughter's memory by living a life that would make her proud.

This realisation became a catalyst for a profound shift in my perspective. I began to see my work not just as a means to an end, but as an opportunity to channel my grief into something positive. I discovered that by leaning into my passions and aligning my professional pursuits with my values, I could find a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment.

It's important to note that professional drive isn't solely derived from family or personal experiences. It can stem from a multitude of sources, such as a passion for a particular field, a desire to make a difference in the world, or a need for personal growth and development. The key is to identify what truly motivates you and to leverage those drivers to enhance your professional performance.

For some, the drive might come from a deep-seated desire to be a role model for their children, demonstrating the importance of hard work and dedication. For others, it might be fuelled by a passion for innovation and a desire to create something new and meaningful. Still, others might find their drive in a commitment to social justice or a desire to give back to their community.

Whatever the source, identifying and leaning into your professional drivers is essential for achieving success and fulfilment in your career. When you are passionate about your work and aligned with your values, you are more likely to be engaged, productive, and innovative. You are also more likely to find joy and satisfaction in your professional pursuits.

In the years since my daughter's passing, I have made a conscious effort to identify and embrace my professional drivers. I have sought out opportunities that allow me to use my skills and talents to make a positive impact on the world. I have also focused on developing my strengths and addressing my weaknesses, recognising that continuous growth and development are essential for long-term success.

This journey of rediscovery has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. By honouring my daughter's memory and embracing my passions, I have found a renewed sense of purpose and drive. I have also discovered a deeper appreciation for the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself.

If you are struggling to find your professional drive, I encourage you to take some time for self-reflection. What are your passions? What are your values? What kind of impact do you want to make on the world? By answering these questions, you can begin to identify your own unique drivers and leverage them to achieve your professional goals.

Remember, your professional drive is not a static entity. It can evolve and change over time as you grow and experience new things. The key is to remain open to new possibilities and to embrace the journey of self-discovery. By doing so, you can unlock your full potential and achieve a level of professional fulfilment that you never thought possible.

Potential Professional Drivers & How to Make the Most of Them

Passion for your field:

• Explanation: When you genuinely love what you do, it fuels your energy, creativity, and commitment. This passion often leads to higher engagement, productivity, and a desire to learn and grow in your field.
• How to make the most of it: Immerse yourself in industry trends, pursue further education or qualifications, and connect with other passionate professionals to foster your enthusiasm and expertise.

Desire to make a difference:

• Explanation: Wanting to leave a positive impact on the world or your community can be a powerful motivator. It can push you to go the extra mile, take on challenging projects, and seek out opportunities to create meaningful change.
• How to make the most of it: Identify causes or issues you care deeply about, volunteer your skills and time, and seek out roles where you can directly contribute to positive outcomes.

Ambition for personal growth:

• Explanation: The drive to improve yourself, learn new skills, and advance your career can be a significant professional driver. This focus on growth can lead to increased competence, confidence, and opportunities for advancement.
• How to make the most of it: Actively seek out challenges, request mentorship, attend relevant training and workshops, and embrace feedback as a tool for improvement.

Need for financial security:

• Explanation: Providing for your family, achieving financial goals, or simply ensuring a comfortable lifestyle can be a strong motivator. This drive can push you to work harder, pursue higher-paying positions, and make sound financial decisions.
• How to make the most of it: Develop a clear financial plan, set achievable goals, seek out opportunities for career advancement, and continuously educate yourself on financial management.

Recognition and achievement:

• Explanation: The desire for recognition, awards, or promotions can be a powerful incentive for some professionals. This can lead to increased motivation, higher standards for performance, and a willingness to take on leadership roles.
• How to make the most of it: Set challenging but achievable goals, track your progress, celebrate your accomplishments, and actively seek out opportunities for recognition and advancement.

Social connection and collaboration:

• Explanation: Some individuals thrive in collaborative environments, enjoying the camaraderie and the opportunity to learn from others. This driver can lead to increased engagement, stronger team dynamics, and a more enjoyable work experience.
• How to make the most of it: Participate in team projects, volunteer for leadership roles, attend networking events, and actively seek out opportunities to connect with colleagues and build relationships.

Autonomy and independence:

• Explanation: The desire for autonomy and control over your work can be a significant motivator for some. This drive can lead to increased creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction.
• How to make the most of it: Seek out roles with a high degree of autonomy, negotiate flexible work arrangements, and take ownership of your projects and responsibilities.

By identifying your primary professional drivers and consciously leveraging them, you can unlock your full potential, achieve greater success, and experience a more fulfilling and rewarding career.