As a leadership coach, I've observed a couple of common threads among those who are unhappy in their current roles: 1) the lack of self-awareness around personal fulfillment (which I covered in my previous newsletter) and 2) the tendency to externalize the responsibility of their happiness. This means blaming everything and everyone else for their discontent. Essentially, they wait for good things to happen to then rather than make them happen.
It's common for individuals to tie their happiness to external factors such as job titles, promotions, or the validation of others. The danger with this approach is that these elements are often beyond our control, leading to a perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction and discontent. Waiting for external circumstances to dictate our happiness can create a sense of powerlessness and frustration. The irony of it is that using external factors to dictate our state of happiness will often backfire – because in doing so, we tend to compare ourselves and what we have to others. And there will ALWAYS be someone with more credentials, higher income, greater networks and contacts, better job titles, and so on.
So, what types of things are within your control when it comes to your own career satisfaction? How can you increase your work/life satisfaction even if you don’t love where you work now?
In preparation for the new year, this week’s newsletter explores the transformative power of internalizing this responsibility by making more intentional choices and choosing to step into the new year with a mindset geared towards personal fulfillment. Below I list some strategies to help you get started and have you feeling more in control of your career and life satisfaction:
Taking Ownership of Your Happiness
The key to unlocking career satisfaction lies in taking ownership of our own happiness. This involves a shift in mindset from a passive "things happening to me" perspective to an active "I am in control" stance. Instead of waiting for the perfect job or external validation, individuals can make intentional choices to shape their careers in alignment with their values and aspirations. You might not even be aware of all the career possibilities that exist. Research, ask questions, learn new skills and be open to different ideas.
Living Intentionally
Living intentionally means making conscious choices that align with your values, passions, and long-term goals. This is really at the crux of the coaching I do. Helping my clients envision how they need/want to show up and help them create habits that will bridge the gap so that they feel more in alignment with their vision. This can be as simple as identifying your values – what's profoundly important to you. (If you don’t know how, I have a “life values” activity on my webpage: https://www.aspiretomore.ca/persprofdev-resources). Living more intentionally when it comes to your career could also involve setting clear career goals, pursuing skill development, or seeking out new challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone. By taking deliberate steps to shape your professional journey, you empower yourself to create a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Mindfulness and Reflection
Being mindful and regularly reflecting on your career journey are powerful tools for enhancing happiness. Being mindful allows you to "be present" in the moment, which then allows you take pause to appreciate what you have, what you've achieved thus far and process new challenges to learn the most from them. Reflection on the other hand, provides insights into what truly matters to you, helping you make informed decisions about your career path. If that seems too challenging, then perhaps simply asking yourself “What do I want my days to look like?” every day to hone that vision, so that you can then act towards it.
Building a Support System
Navigating your career journey alone can be challenging. And relying on family and friends who only know you to be a certain way can stifle your ability to think about your career on a grander scale. Reach out to someone who is living out the career that you aspire to have. Ask questions and get them to challenge your assumptions. Building a support system of mentors, peers, or a career coach can provide valuable guidance, perspective, and encouragement. Surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive network can reinforce your commitment and will be essential when charting new waters.
Setting Intentions
Consider setting intentions rather than resolutions. Intentions are about the mindset and direction you want to cultivate in the coming year. Reflect on what truly brings you joy in your career, identify areas for growth, and set intentions to step into actions that align with your values.
Regardless of the direction you choose over the next year, stepping into it with a mindset of personal responsibility for happiness can really be transformative. By internalizing this responsibility, making intentional choices, and living with purpose, anyone can shift from a state of discontent to a more fulfilling and satisfying career.
If you are looking for a more customized leadership development experience, leadership coaching may be the better option to get you to your professional development goals faster. Book a complimentary “Discovery Call” to discuss your goals and see if working with a leadership coach might be the way to go.