Finding Motivation Through Career Fulfillment

I'll be honest - I've always struggled with preparing for "career conversations".   I'm fortunate to work for a company and for leaders that truly prioritize career development. We carve out time each quarter to talk about goals, skills to develop, and potential roles to explore a few years down the line.   I've had a few very smart leaders ask me in these conversations, "what are you solving for during this phase of your career?". This would make me pause and think about what my "north star" was that would guide my thinking. I still wasn't really sure, so I'd often stumble trying to explain my answer.   I recently tried a new approach after watching "Blue Zones" on Netflix. In Japan, there is a popular concept called "Ikigai" which means "a reason for being". Finding "Ikigai", or a sense of purpose, is believed to be a factor that contributes to people living much longer.   I drew out a table with 3 boxes: 1️⃣  What I Love 2️⃣  What I'm Good at 3️⃣  What the Business Needs   From there, I listed out ideas across each bucket, to try and get a better sense of some common themes that overlapped.   It was an illuminating (and fun!) exercise that helped me have a more in-depth conversation with my manager about what I wanted to focus on to get more alignment to my "Ikigai". This could be in the projects I take on, roles I want to explore, and skills I intend to develop.   I've found that when I can align myself to work that feels in line with these three things, it boosts my motivation, productivity, and overall sense of fulfillment. I'm excited to continue using this lens to help me think through my career choices.   ⭐️ If you want to read more about how to leverage Ikigai, you can read this article: https://lnkd.in/g2awjAUe ⭐ If you have any frameworks that you use for career conversations, I'd love to hear them! 

I decided to start the week with this. I’ve discovered that for experienced professionals, some things seem like platitudes. But for folks who are still feeling their way through their career, and “adulting" the right type of guidance helps. You feel overwhelmed at work & are not doing tasks you like. Unmotivated & frustrated, you're uncertain if you should quit, pursue a master’s program, or start your own business. But even that is confusing! Sounds familiar? Here is how I recommend you get out of that rut. 1) 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: It's okay not knowing everything. The key is to embrace learning & keep growing each day. Accept that it's fine to make mistakes, provided you learn from them. It's part of the learning curve. 2) 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: SMART= specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. Instead of saying, "I want to get better at my job," say, "I want to improve my sales numbers by X% in Q3." This gives you a clear target and a way to measure your progress. 3) 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 Y𝐨𝐮𝐫 G𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: Have clear, tangible goals and visualize them daily. They serve as your signal in times of uncertainty and remind you what your targets are. 4) 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: While motivation is a can aid action, it fluctuates. Discipline, on the other hand, keeps you going even when motivation wanes. Discipline is committing to your goals and working towards them, 5) 𝐀𝐜𝐭!: Instead of waiting for the perfect plan, take action based on the information you have. Be willing to adjust your approach as you gain new insights, moving closer to your goals with each step forward. 6) 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: Seek constructive feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. This can give you insight into areas where you can improve. Remember, feedback is not a criticism of you as a person but a tool to help you improve. 7) 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬: Maintain a sense of curiosity about your work and field. This can lead to a deeper understanding and open new avenues for growth. Ask questions, do research, & always strive to know more. 8) 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤: Building relationships can be beneficial. You can learn from experiences, get advice, & discover opportunities you would not have otherwise found. Don't be afraid to connect with others. 9) 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: Everyone has days they feel inadequate. It's part of being human. Instead of feeling bad about yourself, approach these situations objectively. 10) 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: Work is important, but so is the rest of your life. Ensure you have work-life balance. This prevents burnout & keeps you from getting overwhelmed. Relax. Spend time with loved ones. Remember, personal & professional development is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Embrace the process, stay resilient, & enjoy the fulfillment that comes from progress and achievement. Have a great week. Davidson 

Feeling stuck in your career can be a frustrating and demotivating experience. It can appear that everyone around you is moving forward while you're stuck in the same place. But the truth is, it's more common than you might think. Many people experience a career plateau or feel unsure about their career path at some point in their professional journey. The daily grind of work can take a toll on your motivation and make it difficult to see the bigger picture. It's easy to get caught up in the routine of your job and lose sight of your long-term goals. But it's important to remember that it's never too late to make a change and start moving towards your dream job. You need to adopt the right mindset and take a few simple steps to break free from the rut. Here are some tips to help you get started: 1. Reflect on your values and priorities: To find job satisfaction, aligning your work with your personal values and priorities is important. Take some time to reflect on what's important to you and what motivates you. Are you passionate about helping others? Do you value work-life balance? Once you clearly understand your values and priorities, you can start exploring career paths that align with them. 2. Identify your strengths and skills: Understanding your strengths and skills is key to finding a career path that's a good fit for you. Make a list of your strengths and skills, and think about how you can apply them in a new role or industry. For example, if you're great at problem-solving, consider a career in project management or consulting. 3. Network and research: Talking to people in your desired industry or role can give you valuable insights into the job market and help you make informed decisions. Contact people in your network or attend industry events to learn more about your options. Research companies and job openings that align with your values and goals. 4. Take action: Once you've identified your values, priorities, strengths, and skills, it's time to take action. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Apply for jobs that align with your goals and values. Take courses or certifications to develop new skills or improve existing ones. Remember, getting unstuck in your career takes time and effort. But with the right mindset and a few simple steps, you can start moving towards your dream job. #Career #Goals #Unstuck #Motivation #prioritize

Identifying your core values and beliefs relevant to career exploration is important for finding fulfillment and success. Start by reflecting on your reactions to career-related decisions or challenges. Pay attention to your gut feelings as they often reveal underlying values guiding your choices. Evaluate past experiences in jobs, projects, or volunteer work. Consider what aspects you enjoyed most and what motivated you to excel. Recognizing recurring themes can shed light on values important to your career satisfaction. The Lesson? 🎯 Ensure your career choices reflect what matters most to you. By staying true to your core values, you'll find greater fulfillment and purpose in your professional endeavors. 🎯 Recognize that identifying core values is an ongoing process. Stay open to new experiences and insights that may refine or expand your understanding of what drives you professionally. 🎯 Pursue career paths that resonate with your core values and beliefs. When your work aligns with what truly matters to you, you'll find greater motivation and satisfaction in your endeavors. Understanding and embracing your core values is the foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven career. By aligning your professional choices with these values, you pave the way for personal growth and success. 

Throughout my career as a recruiter, I've spent countless hours interviewing people and asking various questions to understand who they are and what they can contribute to a company. No matter the role or industry, there is always one thing that I aim to find out: what makes someone light up? What is that thing that makes them excited and dedicated to their work? In my experience, there are two questions that consistently reveal a candidate's passion and drive:  🔹 What brings you joy?  🔹 What does your ideal job look or feel like? While the answers I receive are not always concise, they provide valuable insights into what truly drives and motivates an individual. It's surprising how many people haven't considered these questions before. So, if you're currently thinking about your next career move, take a moment to reflect and answer these questions for yourself. What brings you joy? What does your ideal job look or feel like? The insights you gain may help you gain clarity and identify the best next move for your career. Don't just settle for any job - find the one that ignites your passion and fulfills your purpose. 🔥  #careerpassion #dreamjob #careerdevelopment #LinkedInCommunity #jobsearchtips

Caught in a whirlwind of tasks, ticking off one after another, yet feeling like something's missing? It's a common scenario: we're assigned a task, we complete it with efficiency, report back, and swiftly move to the next. This cycle of execution and reporting can make us feel productive, but it often leaves a void when it comes to feeling truly connected and valued. As I navigated through this endless loop of tasks, I recognized that while I was proficient at “the job,” I wasn't feeling a sense of fulfillment or value. It was as if I was part of a process but missing the narrative that gave it meaning. To break free from this cycle, it's essential to not only focus on what we do but also understand why we do it. This shift in perspective is key to transforming our work experience. - Understanding the “Why”: It's crucial to see beyond the immediate task and grasp its significance in the larger picture. - Recognizing your value: Knowing how your work contributes to broader goals can transform your experience from mundane to meaningful. - Seeking deeper satisfaction: True job satisfaction comes not just from doing but from understanding the impact of your work. Tasks fill your day, but understanding their purpose fills your career with meaning. If you're looking to move beyond the cycle of task completion and find genuine fulfillment in your work, it's time to embrace both context and content. It's about connecting your daily tasks to a larger purpose and recognizing your role in achieving bigger goals. #PurposeDrivenWork #CareerFulfillment #BeyondTheTasks #MoniqueSpeaks #MoniqueHelstrom #communicationcoach #communicationtraining #effectivecommunication #humanskills #assistants #administrativeassistant #executiveassistant #leadershiptips

Struggling to find motivation and purpose? You're not alone. The DEAR Method (Detach, Empathy, Action, Reframe) from the Harvard Business Review can help fix this. Detaching might seem counterintuitive, but it's important. Without stepping back, it's hard to pinpoint the root of your unhappiness or remember the positive aspects of your job. You can't solve a problem you don't understand. Here are three ways to detach and identify the source of your dissatisfaction: 1. Start Your Day Strong: Intentionally choose one activity each day that sparks genuine joy. Set the tone for a more positive experience. 2. Move Your Body: Studies show even light movement can reduce stress and anxiety. Increased blood flow boosts energy and engagement. 3. Reflect and Take Inventory: Before ending your day, take five minutes to recap. Identify the positive aspects and meaningful activities. This might feel forced at first, but even small wins matter. Record your reflections in a journal every day. Review your inventory at the end of the week and look for trends. You might be surprised by the positive experiences you find. You can move towards a more fulfilling work experience by detaching and rediscovering the bright spots. What are your experiences with disengagement at work? #employeeengagement #happinessatwork #knowledgetransfer #workengagement Video Edits by GrowthMatch

Aside from retirement, there really is no finish line to cross in our careers—and it creates an interesting problem: We find it hard to stay motivated. Throughout my career, this has been a struggle at times, but I've found a simple solution. One of the first lessons we learn in elementary is how to write using the 5 Ws: Who? What? Where? When? and Why? I've used those same questions as my compass for career motivation: What am I doing and what is my purpose? - The truth is, I simply forget sometimes—and it’s astonishing how the simple act of reminding myself refuels my motivation. Why am I motivated? - There are people and causes that motivate my actions, and it’s these connections that give depth to our professional pursuits. Who am I working for? - 70% of people lack motivation because their leaders are disengaged. The solution: communicate with them or fire your boss and find the right place for you. When is it due? - Deadlines aren't just for school projects—they're life's milestones. Setting personal deadlines instills a sense of urgency and positive pressure that keeps us motivated. Where will it take you tomorrow? - In 10 years, will you thank yourself for what you're doing today? If we're not careful, we can use up our motivation and hinder our performance. Motivation flourishes when we balance work with self-care and reflection. What keeps you motivated? Let me know in the comments! #motivation #leadership #leadeveryday

You can't unlock happiness at work without "The Big Why." To find true purpose at work, you must know the answer to (and more importantly, relate to) the question: WHY are we doing this job? Here's an example: let's say you're an employee at Build-A-Bear Workshop at the local mall. The company has made it clear you aren't just building stuffed animals: you're on a mission to give children and families an experience they'll never forget. This mission can also be called the Big Why. If you don't buy in to this Big Why, you'll see work as a tedious process of getting screaming children to kiss fake hearts and buy comically-small outfits. You'll count down the hours until you clock out. You might even start to hate teddy bears. And when the holiday rush comes around and it all seems so pointless, you'll put in your two weeks' notice, and you'll never make the two weeks. But if you buy into that deeper purpose, chances are, you'll deliver a better experience for the children and make better recommendations. You'll be able to see the value you bring to the environment. You might even make a few teddy bears for yourself because you enjoy seeing the process from the customer perspective. And when a new opportunity arises to move to a different store in the mall, you'll say "no" because you're fully engaged in your role—maybe you're even hoping to move up in the company. Not everyone will buy into the Big Why...and that's okay. But it's crucial to have employees who DO embrace it—and you won't if you don't have a Big Why in the first place. The energy of engaged employees is infectious. The Big Why can be seen in the effort they put in and in their enthusiasm. And that's important, no matter what you do...or why you do it. #culture #leadership #employeeengagement #employeeexperience