You are hardworking and dedicated, but at times it may seem like you are not getting much fulfillment from your life beyond your job. Discovering your true self can be challenging when work dominates your existence.
Finding significance outside of work can be complex: Often our work identities seem like the only stable aspects of our lives, making it easier to immerse ourselves in that identity. However, this generally does more harm than good.
Continue reading for insights on how to better understand yourself beyond the workplace.
You are not your job title.
While being passionate about your work is positive, remember that it does not define you entirely. Viewing ourselves solely through the lens of our job titles can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, particularly prevalent during the pandemic.
Find your purpose, not your passion.
Often, purpose and passion are mistakenly used interchangeably, but they are distinct concepts. Passion revolves around emotions – how our actions make us feel and the motivation derived from those emotions.
Purpose, however, is outward-focused and usually revolves around serving others. Identifying your purpose is not simple and often involves a process of trial and error. Be patient with yourself as you strive to unearth what truly ignites your spirit beyond the confines of the workplace.
Dedicate some time to introspection and contemplate these ideas to help narrow your focus:
Topics that attract you: Assess your reading materials, entertainment choices, and identify recurring themes. For example, if you are drawn to environmental documentaries, consider how your skills can contribute to environmental preservation.
Feedback from others: Solicit input from individuals close to you, like friends or partners, on the topics you frequently discuss as clues to pinpoint your purpose and passion.
Reflect on past hardships: An effective albeit painful method to uncover your purpose is to reflect on past adversities and endeavor to rectify them. If, for instance, you faced educational disparities, mentoring or aiding students in similar circumstances could align with your purpose.
Happiness isn’t everything.
The notion that self-discovery hinges on perpetual happiness is misleading. While moments of joy are valuable and should be cherished, they are transient and do not offer lasting fulfillment.
Dr. James Hollis, a Jungian psychoanalyst, encourages us to ponder, Will this choice enlarge me or diminish me? Opting for choices that enrich your life can uncover meaning for your present and future self, guiding you towards defining your life’s purpose.
Note that pursuing personal growth may not lead to immediate happiness. Reflecting on your choices may necessitate difficult decisions, such as ending stagnant relationships or reassessing your core values.
When mulling over this concept of self-growth, consider the following:
What are my priorities? Identifying who or what warrants your focus aids in discerning distractions to dismiss.
What is within my control? Your decisions shape your life, so clarity on what you can and cannot control is crucial.
What are my personal standards? Establishing criteria that align with your life and endeavoring to uphold them daily lays the groundwork for tackling significant challenges in the future.
Embarking on this internal exploration can foster fulfillment and preemptively address challenging questions before they loom large.
Your identity goes beyond your job, and by exploring facets of your life beyond professional realms, you are progressing towards a brighter future for yourself.
