The secret of long term success and motivation at work
Would you keep working in your current job if you have enough money and resources that you don't need to work anymore?
The answer to this question is usually "Probably not". According to different surveys*, more than 70% of people are not satisfied with their jobs. Even those that seem to have amazing jobs (competitive salary, pleasant environment, and friendly colleagues) sometimes feel something is missing.
Whether you are demotivated at your job, waking up and wishing it's a Friday instead of a Monday or going to work because you "have to" even if your dream is being somewhere else; this message is for you: I understand you, we've all been there at some point, keep reading, I have good news for you.
There's a reason why this happens, and you don't need to be this way forever. You can be happy and fulfilled right here, right now, no need to wait until your next break, your holidays, or even your retirement to start enjoying your life and your work.
Are you wondering what the missing part of this puzzle that makes a real difference is? You are probably missing "purpose". You are not paying attention to the "why" behind every single thing you do in your life.
You spend most of your time in your job, so it's crucial to find a purpose at work, too. Feeling you are doing something meaningful will guarantee your long-term satisfaction and success.
It’s time for you to find out what is the reason behind your actions, what drives you. In other words, your values, your motivations, and ultimately, your life mission. We all have them, even if you are not aware of it. We are all unique individuals who are here to contribute to the world with our talent. It’s in your hands to make it happen. The first step to a happy and fulfilling life is to be aware of what drives you and live according to these principles.
Once you are aware of your "why", what would you like to do in this world, it's time to go out there and look for experiences and companies that "resonate" with it.
If you want to be motivated and thriving at work, I have a few questions for you:
- What is your company mission? Is it similar to your life mission?
- Are you aware of your company values? Are they aligned to yours?
- How is your company culture?
These aspects will make or break your employee experience. If you don't know the answers, look for them. Every company has a vision, a mission, a reason to exist, even if it's not written on the walls or company site. Reflect on it and see if this vision is aligned with your principles and desires.
The next fundamental questions would be:
- How can you live your purpose in your organization?
- What can you do today that is aligned to your values?
You don't need to be working at the job of your dreams to start feeling fulfillment in your career. Thinking that there's a company out there where everything is perfect, and there are no problems is an illusion that will play against you. As they said: The grass always looks greener on the other side, until you get to the other side. Any job has pros and cons, ups and downs. This is the magic of life. Once you assume this, you can take responsibility and do your part: make sure what you do is aligned and contributes to your life mission.
If you've already tried it out, but your current employer is not aligned and you can't find purpose in your current job, maybe it's time to explore new options. Nowadays, more and more companies realize that showing a compelling mission and values to the world is essential to attract the right talent. My advice would be to contact companies you'd love to contribute, do some research on their culture, and choose those that matter to you.
Times have changed, having a meaningful job is essential, and you can start making a difference to your career and your job right now by choosing a company aligned to your mission and values, this is the ultimate key to your long-term satisfaction and fulfillment.
Now it's your turn, what can you do to start living your purpose right now? Share your answers with me here, I'd love to guide you so you can make the most of your employee experience.
Andrea Arcusa
Executive Coach