Why do you feel bored in your job despite your outward success?

That is a good question, for which there is a very short, simple answer:

You have a ‘misalignment’ between what is on the inside and outside.

However, that does not tell you much but do not worry, read on, and I will explain.

Why your internal and external needs become misaligned.

In the first decade or so in your career, you crave external pleasures.

Think about it.

You want:

●      An impressive title

●      Big bonuses

●      Membership to exclusive clubs

●      An expensive car

External satisfaction makes you feel successful and that you are of high status. You want people to look at you and wish they had your success. It feeds your ego, so you continually strive to please yourself externally.

And that is fine. It is human.

Is it sustainable?

For some, this works. For others -with time it becomes not enough.

Why?

Because as you get older, your needs change from external to internal.

Suddenly:

●      Growing as a person

●      Making a contribution

●      Feeling like you are part of something bigger

Become much more important, clashing with your external needs.

Your meaning of life changes and, without realising it, the external attributes that made you successful and fulfilled before, seem less important and not as satisfying.

Instead, you want your life to mean something. To be more than just going to the office, coming back home, doing the same hobbies and spending time with the same people, and your routine starts feeling like a weight around your neck.

You notice your inner drive wants to get out and take you further. To try new things. To meet new people, but you have no idea where to start or how to do it - all of which leads to overwhelm and demotivation.

The Six Human Needs

Every human being has six needs; these are:

1. Certainty
2. Uncertainty
3. Significance
4. Love
5. Growth
6. Contribution

When you are in the first decade or so of your career, the first four needs are the most important, with the importance varying from person to person.

However, for many successful, high-achieving professionals, Significance is the one likely to rank highest. High-achievers chase significance, because without it, it is hard to be successful.

You work hard, living for years chasing the rush of satisfying the need for significance in all that you do.

However, over time, this changes.

Significance suddenly feels less important, and your needs shift to 5 and 6, Growth and Contribution.

The shift happens for different people at different times, and the causes of the change vary. For some, it is divorce or losing a family member, while for others, hearing how a friend questioned how they lived their life and changed, will make you question how you live yours, and the goals you have set for yourself.

It can be a confusing time, which is where coaching comes in...

 How coaching changes everything.

If the above sounds familiar, you are not alone.

My story is the same.

Significance was my primary need. I loved working hard, getting external rewards and receiving the praise that came with my success in my corporate job in Private Banking.

However, with time, all these external attributes seemed less important. And a nagging feeling that something was missing and I wanted more became a big part of my life.

I was confused. I loved my job and did not want to leave it, but I could not understand what this nagging feeling was about. It would not go away, and it was getting louder and louder by the day.

 Was it some kind of midlife crisis, when you start to rethink your life and what matters? Or was it something else?

Whatever it was, it made me rethink what I was doing, and whether it was still giving me true satisfaction.

I realised I wanted to make an impact, change people lives and be part of other people’s transformation. I craved growth and contribution much more than significance and recognition and I wanted to contribute to the world in a more significant way.

My corporate job was great, but it simply was not enough any longer. In addition, I reached the ceiling there as I was at the highest grade possible for my role and the only way to grow further was to look for something else that I could do alongside my job.

So, I trained as a coach and taught myself techniques that got me through the other side.

And now?

Well, I love my corporate job, I still work in it part-time. And, on the side, I have a successful coaching business, helping senior-level professionals break through the career ceiling and reach the next level of success and live truly incredible and deeply satisfying lives. Together, it leaves me feeling completely fulfilled, both inside and out.

Reach the next level of success.

If you can relate to what I am saying in this article, it means you have found the answer to your current “being bored and not really fulfilled” problem.

And the answer is... ME.

I know I can help, because I have been where you are and felt the way you do.

And I am a strong advocate of “don’t quit your job” when you are not fulfilled. Instead, find “creative” ways to make an impact and satisfy your need for growth and contribution.

The time to make powerful changes is NOW.

Because life is short, isn’t it?

All you need to do to start a new exciting chapter in your life and career is get in touch and claim your FREE 15-minute consultation, with no pressure to go further than our initial chat.

Until next time,

Irina