It is another work day and you are dragging your feet and your heavy heart to work. You are at your desk and every task feels more mundane and mindless than the next. Why is work – one where you spend more than half of your life at – not giving you joy? You think to yourself, “is this how I’m going to spend the rest of my work life? How am I going to excel at work when I’m barely getting by, much less perform at my best? How do I progress at work when I am feeling unfulfilled?”
There is a way out of this. Let’s explore why you’re feeling unfulfilled and identify how to resolve them.
Personal Goals
What are your personal goals? Is what your company does aligned with your own goals? For me, the industries that I used to work in during my corporate life ranged from industrial design, beauty, office solutions to shipping. When I first started out at each job, I tried to give it my best. I’m getting paid after all. However, over time, I could feel myself losing it. I would catch myself spacing out at work wondering “what am I doing here?” You see, there is a hidden humanitarian in me. I have always dreamt of working for the United Nations. Yet I didn’t have the required qualifications, experience or connections, yet. This work I am doing now is my mini-UN, helping one person at a time. However, it took me over 10 long years, plot twists and much pain to realise what I truly wanted to do and to convince myself that I am capable. If having lots of money is something that drives you, explore all (legal) means to get that job that delivers. Find your driving goals. It may take time, it may take unexpected turns and you may need help along the way. As long as you keep seeking, you will find it.
Relationships
Are there other things going on in your life that is bothering you? How is your relationship with your parents, your partner, your children or your friends? Are you taking your private frustrations to work with you? It could very well be your relationship with your own boss and colleagues right there at work now. What is really bothering you? Examine each relationship in your life. Are they going how you would like them to be? Is there someone who is making you feel irritated, hurt or low? Practice forgiveness, or at least begin by being willing to forgive. You don’t have to condone their bad behaviour. Just don’t allow them to affect you. Take your power back.
You
How is your relationship with yourself? Are you able to accept yourself fully – thunder thighs, turkey arms, beer belly, warts and all? If you feel angry at yourself, or even hate who you are or how you look, even when you have the most perfect job, you will never truly enjoy it. True lasting fulfilment comes when you are at peace with yourself.
Get guidance
I am just scratching the surface here on what is making you feel unfulfilled. If your feelings of emptiness are affecting your progress at work, help is here.