We often experience changes in our feelings toward our jobs, even if we do not realize it. Remember the excitement you felt on your first day? You enjoyed staff meetings, training, and meeting new colleagues during coffee breaks. But things start to change, and you start feeling like, "Do I have to do this again?" when you wake up.
Work can sometimes feel repetitive and draining, making us miss the excitement of new challenges. But don't worry! Let us take inspiration from Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a well-known motivation theory from the 1980s, and reignite your passion for work:
Embracing Innovation through Autonomy at Work
You've noticed your job has become repetitive lately, and you're feeling bored. But do not forget, you have the power to change things. Picture a canvas where you're holding the brush. If you regain control over your work, you can also discover new approaches to falling in love with your job again.
Challenge the Norm: Escape the routine and look for chances to innovate, like making processes more efficient, proposing new methods, or trying out fresh ideas. Remember, innovation isn't just for tech experts; it's a mindset for everyone that begins with seemingly ordinary tasks.
Craft Your Workday: Create your perfect work schedule by discussing flexible hours or taking charge of projects. Autonomy is not about going against the grain but matching work with your unique pace and personal routines.
Celebrate Small Achievements: Acknowledge your successes, no matter how small. Autonomy boosts motivation, and marking progress helps keep that motivation alive. Share your victories with coworkers who may admire your excitement and even join you in reshaping the organization and its goals on your next project.
Building Connections in Uncertain Times
The community becomes crucial for support during uncertain times, like global pandemics and market changes. Here's how to build meaningful connections to re-energize ourselves at work:
Virtual Coffee Breaks and Hangouts: Virtual coffee breaks can be surprisingly powerful. Plan casual conversations with coworkers to share stories, laugh, and talk about non-work matters, as these interactions build team spirit and remind us that we're all navigating turbulent times together.
Team Up on Projects: Working together on projects that cross departmental boundaries brings new ideas, sparks creativity, and strengthens our sense of unity when success is achieved together.
Seek Inspiring Mentors: Look for mentors who motivate you. It does not have to be formal. Even informal connections can help with little commitment. Their advice can guide you through challenges. Also, consider reverse mentorship or learning from junior colleagues, as their new perspective can refresh your outlook and remind you why you started your career in the first place.
Mastering Skills to Enhance Competency
Self-determination theory (SDT) highlights the significance of competence- the feeling of mastery and progress. Here's how to seize and maximize growth opportunities at work:
Continuous Learning: Invest in your skills by attending workshops, online courses, or reading industry blogs. Learning isn't just a one-time thing; it's a lifelong journey. The more you learn, the more confident and involved you'll become.
Stretch Projects: Take on tough tasks. Stretch assignments push you out of your comfort zone, speeding up your learning. Embrace the discomfort as it shows you're growing.
Feedback Loop: Search for feedback like treasure. Constructive criticism helps you polish your skills. And remember, feedback isn't about attacking you personally; it's a way to improve and strive for excellence.
