Feeling like work has become stagnant or overwhelming is not uncommon, especially when your workload does not align with your goals and motivations. To love the work you do, you need to be engaged. To feel engaged at work, you need to feel that your efforts are helping you develop professionally and making a difference in your organization.
If you are looking for ways to enjoy, or dare we say, even love your job, try the following tips:
Learn a new skill.
You might be feeling bored and disengaged at work because you are not being challenged enough. If that is the case, consider learning a new skill that would benefit your career. By learning something new, you have the opportunity to revamp the way you tackle each workday.
Focus on what you enjoy.
At work, most of us have tasks we prefer and others we would like to avoid. If possible, delegate some of the work you are not as passionate about so that you can focus your efforts on completing something that matters to you. The occasional boring task may come up, but if you are able to spend more time performing your best work, you will find yourself becoming more productive.
Set new goals and plan your approach.
You probably have professional goals you want to pursue. If there is something you want to achieve at work, go for it. Maybe you want to take on a new role or get involved with a special project at your organization. Plot out a step-by-step plan you can follow to get from Point A to Point B. Talk to the right people, ask the right questions, and make sure your plan is composed of actionable improvements you can make to track your progress.
Spruce up your workspace.
Sometimes, the same old workspace can make your day feel more tedious than it has to be. You spend roughly 8 hours of your day in that space, so it should be set up in a way that meets your needs. Clear away clutter from your desk, get a new (and more comfortable) chair, and add little touches that make your workspace more inviting.
Network with others in your field.
If you are feeling a little disinterested in your work, there is a good chance that other people in your industry have dealt with similar issues. Try expanding your network and talking with other professionals who have been where you currently are now. Not only will building professional relationships help you become more aware of what is happening in your field, but it may also help you discover new ways to get past your current work-related slump.
Lend a helping hand.
You might be struggling to feel useful at work, especially if you are not progressing as much as you hoped you would. You may not have realized it, but many of your colleagues could probably use guidance or assistance in some way. Be willing to use your own experiences to offer advice and support to others in your organization. Your guidance will help colleagues develop new skills, increase your visibility, and may very well set you up for success as a mentor in your industry.
When you are good at what you do, it can start to feel like you are just going through the motions at work. Adopting a new routine, focusing on a new goal, or taking on new responsibilities will help you find what you enjoy most about your job – it may even make work your favorite part of the day. Imagine that!
