How to restore purpose & feel connected to your work

If your career is not a reflection of what you’d dreamed of doing as a kid, you’re not alone. But what if it could be?

I remember being asked in my first corporate interview that if I could have my dream job or career, what would it be. I hesitated unsure of whether or not there was a “right answer”; was there something they were wanting to hear? My nerves and ego got the better of me and I gave an unfulfilling response about business and people (this was for a sales job after all, and I knew it included at least those two things). But on the tip of my tongue was the honest answer: a performer on Broadway.

Fast forward to a 12-year career in technology sales followed by starting my own business in coaching and consulting, and I’m still nowhere near the Broadway stage… or am I?

Clients often come to me as a result of feeling disconnected from their work.

They feel lost wondering what it’s all worth, if there is any meaning in what they do, and if their contribution matters. Some of these clients are individual contributors trying to satisfy the whims of a manager, a toxic workplace, or the volatility of the market. Others are managers and leaders, focused on satisfying their managers while trying to get their team to do what they want them to do (news flash: it doesn’t work that way. A topic for another day, but here’s somewhere to start in the meantime).

It’s no wonder so many people are ending the workday feeling depleted. I hear them asking if there is a better way; if there is such a thing as fulfillment and satisfaction in work… but so many leave it at that. Instead, they show up the next day anyway and do it all over again, because you have a mortgage to pay, right? Mouths to feed? The childhood dream is so far behind you that it’s easier to just forget about it.

One of the reasons I moved into coaching was because of the results I experienced in my own work in reconnecting with my job.

I learned how to feel aligned in myself and my purpose; this allowed me to show up fully as myself and feel that my contribution was seen, respected, and valued. While there are different parts to unpack for different individuals, I can offer these principles as a place to start:

Focus on the power of positivity and possibility

Ask yourself:

What is going well right now?

What is working for me?

By reflecting on what is good, we are able to shift our mindset to one of positivity. In other words, when we feel good, the work feels good. And when the work feels good, we want to do more work. And if we want to do more work, what could that look like? What is possible on the other side?

Know your strengths

Whether it’s through an assessment, personal reflection, or feedback from those you trust, have a clear understanding of your strengths. Focus your energy there. Lean in. Keep going. Get curious about how your strengths apply in your role and beyond. Start to notice how your strengths are in action in your life. Being aware and in alignment with our strengths allow us to build confidence and empower us to communicate.

Let assumptions lie

Too often we fall into a loop of questions, comparison, and doubt about our work. We get caught up in the external factors surrounding us including others comments, behaviour, and feedback. The thing is, we can’t always know what others are thinking and feeling, and often the assumptions we make about others are what limit us. Return to what’s working, to your strengths, and let the assumptions lie.

Restore purpose in your work

What is the work you enjoy doing? What lights you up? Why do you show up to work everyday? From there, start to explore opportunities where you can be doing more of the work and projects you enjoy. It may or may not be inside your current role and responsibilities, but could lead you to doing more of the work you enjoy.

So no, I haven’t been back in the studio training or lining up auditions, but what I loved about performing I get to bring to my work each and every day: curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. Is it a surprise that these are also amongst my top strengths?

Kirsten Schmidtke is a professional coach, creator, and lover of lake life. She works with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs to help them up-level their careers, businesses, and lives. Are you ready to explore what’s possible for you? Contact Kirsten to start the conversation!