Finding Your Why in the Workplace

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / May 22, 2023 / It is not unusual for an employee, team member, associate, temp, or gig worker to feel lost or disengaged at or with work, especially when they are just beginning a new job or employment. This is especially true of Millennials and Gen Z. Much of the disconnect comes from missing a sense of purpose with their job, vocation, occupation, career choice, or gig. Raj Kalyandurg, a private wealth advisor and managing director at Merrill explains that discovering the “why” can make all the difference-in peace of mind, career, job satisfaction, and work choice.

Raj Kalyandurg, a Dallas-based Merrill private wealth advisor says, “Finding your ‘why’ is pivotal to achieving triumph and gratification in the workplace. It’s about identifying the individual’s-your-sense of purpose and what drives you to come to work every day.”

Below are five steps that will help you uncover your true “why” in the workplace and bring more meaning to your work or vocation. Finding the “why” is akin to finding one’s avocation-what is done for pleasure, sense of self, and yes, pay.

Identify your values

The first step is to identify core values. These are the guiding lights, the guiding principles, and the beliefs that dictate behavior and decision-making. Values will often help or determine what one will find meaningful and fulfilling in work, a job, or a career.

“Your values are your compass. They help you navigate the world and guide you toward what is important,” says Raj Kalyandurg. “Values that involve meaning and purpose are important as they are guides for myself,” the Merrill senior vice president adds.

To identify your values, reflect on what you care about most in life. Is it helping others, being creative, or positively impacting the world? Once you clearly understand your values, you can align them with your work and find meaning in what you do.

Determine your strengths

The next step is to identify your strengths, matching what you are good at with what you like to do. Think about or even write down what are the skills and talents that come naturally to you and distinguish you from others.

“Your strengths are your superpowers. They are what make you unique and valuable in the workplace,” says Raj Kalyandurg.

To determine your strengths, you can take a skills assessment or talk to your colleagues and supervisors. Be open to feedback, correction, and even enlightenment. What one believes her or his strength to be may not be what others see as that individual’s strengths or qualities. Once you know, pinpoint or seek to discover what you excel in. You can then find ways to incorporate those strengths, and powers into your work, gig, and vocation, further amplifying the impact you make and the satisfaction you feel. Finding one strength often leads to a career or several careers.

“There are “superpowers in each one of us” and if we take the route of introspection, self-reflection, feedback, and engagement,” we can shine in the workplace, says Kalyandurg, the Merrill Managing Director.

Set goals

Setting goals is a crucial step. Goals give you direction and motivation to work towards something meaningful, to find your “why.” They help chart progress and keep you accountable to the vision set for yourself and your career.

“Setting goals allows you to focus on what’s important and gives you a sense of purpose. Without goals, you can feel lost and directionless,” says Raj Kalyandurg.

To set goals that align with your values and strengths, create both short-term and long-term goals that are key to advancing your professional pursuits. Having tangible objectives to work towards will give you a sense of purpose and direction in your career.

Find your passion

The next step is to find your passion, which is the activity or subject that you love and enjoy doing. Finding your passion in life is crucial. It gives one a sense of purpose, a sense of direction. Passion can lead to a fulfilling and satisfying life when you’re more likely to feel motivated, engaged, and happy. Passion can lead to a vocation, job, gig, or career becoming an avocation. “That has been true for me,” says the Merrill SVP.

​​However, finding your passion in life can be challenging because it requires self-reflection, exploration, and experimentation, which can be time-consuming and involves taking risks. Additionally, societal pressure and expectations can make it difficult to prioritize your passions over practicality and stability.

“Your passion is what energizes you and gives you a sense of purpose. When you’re passionate about something, you’re willing to work harder and go the extra mile,” says Raj Kalyandurg.

To find your passion, reflect on what you love doing outside of work. Is it writing, painting, or playing sports? Is it philanthropy or volunteering? Find ways to incorporate your passion into your work, or even consider a career change if your current job doesn’t align with your passions. Fortunate is the one who finds his or her passion in their career. “I count myself among those so fortunate-my career in wealth management advisory has offered my family and me opportunities in philanthropy, family value fulfillment, and self-fulfillment,” the CPWA® adds.

Connect with your colleagues

Connecting with your colleagues is essential in finding your “why”. Building relationships with your coworkers can help you feel more engaged and fulfilled in your work and can reveal areas where your unique talents are needed and valued.

“Having positive relationships with your colleagues can make a significant difference in your job satisfaction. When you feel supported and valued by your coworkers, you’re more likely to enjoy your work and find meaning in it,” says Raj Kalyandurg.

To build relationships with your colleagues, attend company events, join a work-related group or club, or even schedule a coffee or lunch break with a coworker. Be the one who schedules the fun after-work bowling, kite flying, and axe-throwing. “The opportunities are endless,” Kalyandurg says. Building relationships with your colleagues can help you feel more connected to your work and reveal opportunities to further explore your “why”.

Discovering your “why” in the workplace is an ongoing journey, but it is worth the effort. By identifying your values, strengths, goals, passion, and connections, you can find meaning and fulfillment in your career.

As Raj Kalyandurg says, “When you find your “why”, you’ll be more motivated, engaged, and satisfied in your work, which will ultimately lead to success and happiness.”

Contact:

Andrew Mitchell
[email protected]

SOURCE: Raj Kalyandurg