Six Simple Steps If You Don't Feel "Engaged" at Work or In Life

Discover How to Improve Yourself No Matter Where You?Work

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions in your career and relationships?

How often do you feel like something big is missing?

How much do you wonder what it would take to feel fabulous no matter what kind of work you do or how much money you make or have in the bank?

It's time to shift your awareness and commitment and learn to practice working "on" yourself daily.

What's Missing — Engagement Defined

“Engagement is not just about what people do, it’s about who they are.”

— Paul Marciano

Employee "engagement" is the extent to which employees are passionate about their work and committed to the organization's goals.

Unfortunately, according to a recent study by Gallup, only 34% of US employees are engaged at work, with the remaining 66% either not engaged or actively disengaged.

This is a concerning statistic, as employee engagement is a crucial driver of productivity, profitability, and overall organizational success.

If you or someone you know lacks "engagement" or meaning and purpose in your work and life, you're about to learn a powerful way to improve your overall well-being.

Search Inside Yourself

The best way to improve yourself is by blocking time daily to "work on yourself." If you don't work on improving yourself, who will?

You don't need to be a monk to search inside yourself. Anyone can do it, given the will to find serenity and contentment by being who you are, more than measuring your happiness against what you do, what you drive or pedal, and where you live.

We're chasing the wind and looking for “engagement” in the wrong places. Maybe it’s time to be more self-aware, present, and grateful. Perhaps it’s time to search inside yourself.

Engage yourself.

Follow the Masters

Here's what a few masters have to say about the search within and how to end suffering, including feeling the suck of your soul when you’re at work. It’s all about our awareness and waking up.

“The most important point is to accept yourself and stand on your two feet.” — Shunryu Suzuki

This Zen saying emphasizes the importance of being present and accepting oneself as they are. It encourages individuals to stop searching outside themselves for validation or approval and instead cultivate a sense of inner strength and self-awareness.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” — Nikola Tesla

This Zen saying emphasizes the importance of searching within oneself to find answers. It encourages us to tap into our inner wisdom and to recognize that the answers we seek are often within ourselves.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

— Buddha

This Zen saying emphasizes the path to serenity and the end of suffering. It encourages individuals to look within themselves for the source of peace and contentment. It reminds us that happiness is not something outside ourselves but rather a state of being that we can cultivate from within.

Chop Wood, Carry Water

"Chop wood, carry water" is a Zen saying that has been used for centuries to teach the value of mindfulness, hard work, and focus. The phrase is derived from a Japanese Zen proverb, "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water."

The meaning behind the phrase is that enlightenment, or the state of being present and aware, does not change the essential tasks of daily life. The idea is that whether one is enlightened or not, the crucial functions of living remain the same: chopping wood for warmth and carrying water for sustenance.

The phrase also speaks to the value of mindfulness in everyday activities. One can find peace and contentment in even the most mundane tasks by focusing on the present moment and the task at hand. It encourages individuals to find meaning in the ordinary and take pleasure in daily life's simplicity.

In modern times, "chop wood, carry water" has been used as a metaphor for personal development and finding purpose in life. It encourages individuals to focus on the basics, cultivate a sense of presence and awareness, and find meaning in everyday tasks. The idea is that finding meaning in the ordinary can develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

Six Simple Steps: A Process for Feeling and Being Engaged

Training yourself to feel engaged begins by learning and practicing a process that becomes natural. Imagine yourself focusing on being present no matter what you're doing.

Suppose you're doing too much and suffering from too much stress; practice being less busy. The steps you'll see below will help you improve, given your commitment and dedication.

Over time, by practicing and improving yourself, you'll feel "engaged" wherever you go because you'll know the gift of presence and living in the now.

Step 1. Ground Yourself in Your Core Values

"Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." — Mahatma Gandhi

Start by grounding yourself in your core values. These are the guiding principles that shape your life. Reflect on what matters most to you and write down your core values. They will serve as your foundation as you move forward.

Step 2. Connect with Your Purpose

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." — Mark Twain

Connecting with your purpose is essential to finding meaning in life. Think about what drives you and what gives your life meaning. Write down your purpose statement. It will be your guiding light as you move forward.

Step 3: Find Your "Why"

"When you know your why you can endure any how." — Friedrich Nietzsche

Your "why" is the driving force that motivates you to achieve your goals. Reflect on why your purpose is essential to you, what impact you want to have on the world, and what legacy you want to leave. Write down your "why." It will keep you focused and motivated as you move forward.

Step 4: Build Relationships with Like-Minded People

"Surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don't see it yourself." — Edmund Lee

Building relationships with like-minded people is essential to finding meaning in life. Attend networking events, join professional associations, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Make an effort to build meaningful relationships with people who align with your values. They will support you and inspire you as you move forward.

Step 5: Be Intentional with Your Career

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work." — Steve Jobs

Be intentional about your career. Make sure it aligns with your purpose and core values. Seek out opportunities that will help you grow and develop in your career. Don't settle for a job that doesn't fulfill you. Your career should reflect who you are and what you believe.

Step 6: Prioritize Self-Care

"Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." — Lucille Ball

Finally, prioritize self-care. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Make time for exercise, meditation, and hobbies. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for feeling engaged in the business of your life. Take care of yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

In conclusion, by learning to chop wood and carry water, you can find purpose and meaning in the everyday tasks of life.

Ground yourself in your core values, connect with your purpose, find your "why," build relationships with like-minded people, be intentional with your career, and prioritize self-care.

Embrace the simplicity of the woodcutter's life and start taking action today to create the life you want.

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This article was originally published on Medium. Thanks for reading my article and sharing or commenting. Check out my latest e-book if you're stuck in your career or life,?Reinvent Yourself: A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Strategically Designing Your Life.

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