The Key To A Meaningful Work Life
Having a meaningful work life is pretty much the key to having a meaningful life at all. We spend so much time at work that failing to ensure it’s satisfying and meaningful can lead to a feeling of emptiness. Whether you decide to work for somebody or for yourself doesn’t matter. Making money is important, but feeling fulfilled while you do it is even more so.
What’s the key to a meaningful work life? Read on to find out…
Don’t Get Too Specific, Just Head in The Right Direction
Most people make the mistake of getting too specific. They try to figure out exactly what they want to be. However, this puts a lot of pressure on them, and can mean ending up in the wrong career eventually. What’s important isn’t what you become, just that you keep on traveling in the right direction. It’s more important to know things like:
- Who you’d like to help.
- Why you’d like to help them.
- What sort of lifestyle you’d like to lead.
Keep on following gut feelings and intuition, if you can. Even if you don’t know where you’re going to, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be. Remember; your work doesn’t have to be a hobby that you absolutely love. Some hobbies should stay hobbies.
Be Prepared To Change Direction
A career that felt right to you a few years ago may not feel right to you now. That’s normal. Most people end up changing careers, if not once, then multiple times. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. If anything, it’s a good sign because it shows you have grown as a person. If something stops feeling right to you, then be prepared to change direction if that feeling persists. Staying flexible is key to living a meaningful, purposeful life.
The only life well lived is a life lived on purpose!
Mix Passions with Values and Talents
The ideal career usually mixes your passions with your values and talents. You want to be passionate about your work, and it should incorporate your values. What matters to you? Incorporating your talents and things you’re good at will make you feel satisfied, and like what you’re doing really matters.
In some cases, you may have the passion and values, but not the talent. Some talent can be learned, with practice. You may simply need to look at courses. You can take some of them online, with places like online MSW. Alternatively, you could take a night course, or a weekend course. There’s something to suit everybody.
Ask Yourself the Right Questions
Asking yourself the right questions should help you to get going in the right direction. Try asking yourself the following:
- What would I do for free?
- What could I read 500 books about without getting bored?
- What could I talk about all day?
- What do I lose track of time doing?
- What gets me out of bed in the morning?
- What always puts a smile on my face?
Write down your answers and brainstorm some ideas. You might not get it right the first time, but be sure to appreciate and learn from the journey!
