Enhancing Work-Based Personal Growth: Strategies for Self-Discovery in Professional Settings
Want to feel like you're not just clocking in and out for a paycheck? You're in the right place. This guide offers tips from organizational psychologist Selma Fehrmann, a leading expert on happiness and fulfillment in the workplace, on how to strengthen your sense of self-realization and find meaning in your job.
The Power of Purpose: Enhancing Work Happiness
According to Selma Fehrmann, meaning and self-realization are crucial factors for work satisfaction, alongside social connections, personal balance, and security. To feel like your work is worthwhile and meaningful, you need to understand "why you get up in the morning." Autonomy, effectiveness, and feeling valuable are all qualities that come with this sense of purpose.
A key aspect of self-realization is doing what aligns with your talents, interests, and values. When you can utilize your strengths and passions within your job, you'll experience more flow, feel more effective, and enjoy your work more.
Create Your Own Happiness Blueprint: Small Exercises for Big Impact
Wondering how to tap into this power of purpose? Selma Fehrmann says the first step is self-leadership – taking control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. To get started, ask yourself these four questions, known as the Ikigai model:
- What do I love?
- What am I good at?
- What does the world need?
- What do I get paid for?
Another tip from Selma Fehrmann is to document three meaningful moments at work every week. This simple exercise will help you recognize the impact you're making and keep your purpose in mind.
Don't Count Yourself Out: Seeking Meaning in Restricted Roles
Even if your job has limited scope, you can still find opportunities for self-realization, according to Selma Fehrmann. This can happen when you can focus your strengths in team projects or new tasks. Remember, looking for meaning outside of work is an excellent complement to any day job, too!
Climbing Out of the Rat Race: Strategies for Overcoming Workplace Frustration
Many people struggle with motivation at work, and you're far from alone if you're one of them. A survey by the market research institute Appinio on behalf of software company Awork found that a majority of employees work without great enthusiasm[2].
To overcome these challenges, explore creative hobbies, get involved in social activities, and cultivate personal relationships – all can help strengthen your sense of self-efficacy. Besides, try a "meaning challenge" by doing something daily that benefits or inspires others.
[1] - Enrichment Data: Common strategies for finding meaning and self-realization at work include reflecting on core values, setting purposeful goals, seeking feedback for personal growth, nurturing relationships with colleagues, practicing mindfulness, and utilizing your strengths.[2] - Enrichment Data: Research by the market research institute Appinio indicates a substantial number of people struggle with motivation at work and often complete their tasks without great enthusiasm.
- To find meaning and self-realization at work according to Selma Fehrmann, focusing on your community policy and employment policy within the context of education-and-self-development can help you align your job with your personal values and interests, promoting personal growth and career development.
- In addition to strengthening your sense of purpose at work, it's equally important to engage in activities that foster personal growth outside of work, such as creative hobbies, social activities, and personal relationships, which can help overcome workplace frustration and enhance your overall self-efficacy.
