As a life coach, I work with people who want to feel more content in their job and home life. However, when I question them deeper about what that looks like for them, oftentimes they struggle to define the word ‘fulfillment.’
So what is job fulfillment? What makes you feel motivated and deeply satisfied in your career? Is it using your strengths? Doing work you enjoy? Being part of a team that functions well together. Becoming financially independent.
There are a few factors at play, but the one main pattern I see in almost every client is:
Fulfillment comes from helping others in a meaningful way.
Let’s Break That Phrase Down so We Can Better Understand It:
- Doing good does not only encompass working at a non-profit, donating all your money to charity, or helping build houses in developing countries. For some people, giving back can be as simple as selling handmade jewelry or assisting clients with creating an authentic brand identity. Essentially, you want to feel as if your career fulfillment is benefiting others by resolving a problem, promoting positivity, or enhancing lives in some capacity.
- The ‘meaningful way’ component is where many people make mistakes, but it’s also an opportunity to personalize the concept. Even if you work for a company that is helping improve lives or solves problems, you may not feel emotionally attached to the company’s mission. If you never get to see the people you help or the final impact of your work, it can be difficult to feel work fulfillment. Even if you know that you’re making a difference for someone, it might not feel meaningful to you without seeing the results firsthand.
When brainstorming what would be significant to you, don’t hold back. What do you habitually help loved ones with? What are people usually most grateful to you for? When was the last time you brightened someone’s day? Consider these questions to get a better understanding of how you’re already making a difference regularly. This will help you career fulfillment move forward in ways that feel energizing for both you and the other person.
If you’re not quite sure if you’re meeting both parts of the fulfillment equation, ask yourself these questions:
- What difference are you making with your work?
- Do you feel passionate about your company or team’s goals?
- Do you ever get to see or experience the results of your work?
- How often do you talk to your teammates, clients, customers, or end users?
- What are the areas of your life where you feel most energized, valuable, or satisfied?
Please leave your answers and thoughts in the comments section below! We look forward to reading them.
Find out from Gerri Elliott how her job makes a difference in the lives of others!
