Can you say you feel passion about your work right now? My guess is that many of you answered no. We all go through highs and lows in our jobs, sometimes feeling more engaged than others. But there’s nothing like the feeling of wanting to get to work, tackling some major goals and projects, and going home feeling highly satisfied. The days go by quickly and the sense of purpose keeps you gliding to your goals.
But how often do you feel that sense of energy and happiness at work? Things get in the way. Leadership changes. Political agendas happen. Budget cuts take the wind out of your sails. Suddenly, you are bored at your current job and only giving half of what you can give.
If you’ve lost your passion for your job, try this advice from David K. Williams, business author and contributor to both HBR.org and Forbes, as we share in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.
Proactively look for something you can get excited about. If you’ve lost your passion, then only you can get it back, which means you need to start exploring, both within yourself and within your job.
Williams suggests asking yourself questions such as, “Are you passionate about helping a particular client? Did you read something that you can implement at your company? Then write up a proposal and present it to your boss. Is there a niche you really enjoy about your work? Become the expert.”
Get outside your routine. According to Williams, sometimes the loss of passion comes from sticking to the same routine. Regaining passion can come from breaking out of your comfort zone or going beyond your normal boundaries of thinking. It can be as simple as changing your work environment. Stuck in a dull, gray cube? Get out of there and take your laptop to an available meeting room. Or add some pictures and plants to your surroundings. Tired of the same people? Start networking with others outside of your team. Make the effort to get beyond the doldrums.
Ask how you can help. If you don’t have passion, push yourself to jump in. Ask your boss how you can help improve or grow the company. Ask how you can refine your role. Throw yourself in there and get involved. Your leaders may just give you more interesting and important work. Focus on what you can contribute versus what you get out of your job.
Take pride in your work. Finally, Williams says that the best way to become passionate about your job is to create quality work that you can be proud of. A job well done will grab attention and can lead to much-deserved praise. This can help to fuel your passion for your work. So, focus on consistently delivering high-quality work.
Remember, only you can create the passion you have for your job. With passion comes enthusiasm and a sense of satisfaction.
If you have passion, you’ll be excited to head into work each morning. Your co-workers will notice your improved enthusiasm. You’ll come home happy, satisfied at a job well done, and your family will notice that pride, too. Give yourself the opportunity to enjoy your job and bring back your passion.
Source: David K. Williams is a serial entrepreneur, a contributor to Forbes and HBR, and the author of The 7 Non-Negotiables of Winning from Wiley & Sons. His article, Lost Your Passion For Work? It’s Your Fault (And How To Get Out Of You), first appeared on Forbes.com.
