You’ve heard the saying: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That level of professional satisfaction sounds nice, but for some of us, it seems like a lofty and somewhat unattainable goal. If you struggle to find that fire, you’re not alone. According to Deloitte, up to 87.7% of American employees say they don’t have passion for their work.
How do you get to the point where you’re excited to head into the office each morning? And why is it so important to have career passion? The most obvious benefit is the simple pleasure of having an enjoyable workday, but the benefits don’t stop there.
Why is it important to have career passion?
According to Harvard Business Review, studies show that employees passionate in their work enjoy reduced stress, greater productivity and a boost in their career growth. And while the highs are high, if you lack passion, the lows can be equally low. A Harvard study showed that a lack of passion in your work can lead to exhaustion or even burnout.
Some people have reached the dream job they’ve been striving for, but others just want to find fulfillment in the work they have right now. That sense of drive and fulfillment can take many forms. It can be a motivating force that shapes your whole life, or it can be as simple as taking pleasure in the basic functions of your daily tasks.
Where does that sort of passion come from, and can it be nurtured or even created? We’ve got a few ideas to help you go down that passionately professional path. You might just discover it’s more attainable than you imagined.
How do I find my career passion?
Lean into your talents
It may seem basic, but most people enjoy doing tasks they’re good at compared to the drudgery of tasks they aren’t very skilled at performing. With that in mind, consider where you excel. Are you naturally gifted when it comes to writing, teaching or even problem-solving? Leaning into your strong suit is a great way to add fulfillment to your work.
Consider your values
True passion has to be rooted in something deep that really resonates with you. You may not be passionate about spreadsheets or event planning or making employee schedules, but if you can understand how excellence in these tasks helps further a larger goal, you may find how your work aligns with your values.
Many organizations clearly articulate their values on their websites or in promotional materials. If you want to join a values-driven organization, take a look at places like Paycom. Understanding the values of prospective employers makes it easier to find a workplace aligned with your beliefs.
Recognize passion is limited
Harvard Business Review found experiencing a driving passion in work is difficult for most people to sustain over long periods. Passion requires serious energy, so we can’t rely on our passion to drive us all the time. Be realistic with your expectations. While pure excitement and inspiration for your tasks can be hard to sustain, focusing on your values, talents and the simple things you enjoy about your work can help you find a long-term path to professional dedication.
Reframe your work
Sometimes, a simple shift of perspective can transform your work, and changing how you view your job might be just what you need. Perhaps viewing the workday as a game with points to earn and levels to complete can help you add enjoyment to your job. If gamifying your work doesn’t do it for you, maybe treating your position as a way to do things you’re passionate about can help. If organization is your passion, bring it to your position and see if you can improve your space. If you love to mentor, try to find opportunities to mentor someone who’s just starting out.
Passion doesn’t necessarily have to be found in the final product. Sometimes, you can become passionate about work in the process, especially if it allows you to tap into values that drive you like service, creativity or even simple curiosity. This sort of career assessment and reorientation of how you view your work can put everything in a new light.
Reframing what you do and how you do it can make it easier to enjoy your work, and it also doesn’t hurt when your superiors see you bring a renewed energy to the office every day.
Start finding your career passion now
Passion isn’t reserved for those who have spent decades honing their career. By implementing these simple concepts, you can discover passion in your work. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re well into your career, passion is never out of reach.
Are you ready to give your passion an outlet in a workplace that values all you have to offer? Then pursue a career you can be passionate about with Paycom. Apply today!
