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How to stay motivated in your mid-career journey
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Is your current career bringing you the fulfillment you desire? Many professional women contemplate a career change to achieve better work-life balance, yet often hesitate to take the leap. I understand firsthand how easy it is to feel trapped in a job that no longer brings fulfillment, or worse, actively hinders our personal life. Unhelpful beliefs, self-doubt, and fear of change can hold us back and keep us stuck in jobs that no longer serve us. I've personally navigated three career transitions, each one leading to personal growth, valuable life experience, and unexpected opportunities. Here are some strategies that have helped me reignite my passion, stay motivated and enjoy my work and life. I hope you find these strategies helpful for you too. 1. Ignite your potential with powerful SMART”I” goals Having clear, inspiring and well-defined goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose. A study published in the Journal of Management found that setting specific and challenging goals led to higher performance 90% of the time. Make sure your goals are SMART”I” – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, and Inspiring. The "I" stands for Inspiring, which provides the 'why' behind your actions, fueling your motivation to act. This will also give you a clear path to follow and make it easier to track your progress. This year, I implemented a new system to track my personal goals and established clear metrics to measure my progress. While life's unexpected twists and turns have occasionally derailed my path, I'm grateful for the solid foundation of metrics that has consistently guided me back on course. Download my SMARTI Goal Template. 2. Embrace continuous learning and take calculated risks In today’s rapidly changing professional landscape, continuous learning is essential for staying motivated and relevant. It’s more than just taking courses or attending workshops; it’s about embracing a growth mindset and stepping outside your comfort zone. By taking calculated risks and learning from both successes and failures, you can develop resilience, enhance your problem-solving skills, and uncover innovative solutions. This proactive approach to learning can reignite your passion for even the most familiar roles, propelling you towards greater achievement.
Are you working in a culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and experimentation? If not, how are you actively seeking opportunities to challenge yourself and expand your skill set? Consider volunteering your skills to a cause you care about. It's a fantastic way to innovate and make a positive impact.
3. Seek and give feedback applying nonviolent communication Feedback can be a trigger word for many people, especially those who have received criticism disguised as feedback, leaving them feeling crushed. This is particularly true for perfectionists who may have a negative reaction to critical feedback. You can educate those who provide feedback on the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a method of communication that focuses on understanding and meeting the needs of both the speaker and the listener. It's a tool for creating empathy and fostering positive relationships.
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NVC is based on four key components:
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Observations: Stating facts without judgment or evaluation.
Feelings: Expressing your emotions honestly and directly.
Needs: Identifying the underlying needs that are driving your feelings.
Requests: Clearly and respectfully asking for what you want.
By using these components, NVC helps you to communicate in a way that is clear, honest, and respectful. It can help to resolve conflicts, build stronger relationships, and create a more peaceful world. 4. Celebrate small wins It's easy to get so caught up in chasing big goals that we overlook our daily accomplishments. While small wins might seem insignificant, research from Harvard Business School suggests that celebrating them can significantly boost motivation. Today, start a new habit:
By embracing this simple practice, you can fuel your motivation and stay inspired on your journey to achieving your larger goals. 5. Set your own rules for work-life harmony Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustained motivation and overall well-being. A FlexJobs survey revealed that 84% of working parents prioritize work-life balance as the most critical factor in a job. To achieve this balance, consider these strategies:
6. Invest in your well-being Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining motivation. This includes taking care of your physical health through regular exercise and a balanced diet, as well as your mental health through practices like mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking time out for hobbies and activities you enjoy. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that professionals who prioritized self-care reported higher job satisfaction and productivity. 7. Building strong work relationships Strong workplace relationships can significantly boost motivation and job satisfaction. Research from the Association for Psychological Science has shown that professionals with workplace friendships are more likely to be content and committed to their roles. To foster these positive connections, seek out workplaces that align with your values and increase your chances of meeting like-minded individuals. Building genuine friendships with colleagues can create a supportive and inspiring work environment. 8. Maintaining relationships beyond the workplace Don't forget the power of maintaining relationships with former colleagues and friends. In today's digital age, staying connected is easier than ever. A simple text message can bridge the gap, and virtual or in-person meet-ups can deepen these bonds. Reconnect with your network today. A single text message can reignite a friendship and bring joy to your life. 9. Take stock of your career aspirations and stay positive If you're feeling stuck or unmotivated, it might be time to revisit your career path. Reflect on your current role and future aspirations. Are they aligned? Do you feel fulfilled in your current job? If not, it might be time to explore new opportunities or even consider a career change. Finally, cultivating a positive mindset can significantly impact your motivation. This involves focusing on the positives, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintaining a resilient attitude in the face of setbacks. Staying motivated in your career journey can be challenging, but it's certainly not impossible. By setting clear goals, embracing continuous learning, seeking feedback, celebrating small wins, prioritizing work-life balance, staying connected, investing in your well-being, revisiting your career path, and cultivating a positive mindset, you can keep your motivation levels high and continue to progress in your career. Remember, everyone's career journey is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. It's important to find strategies that resonate with you and align with your personal and professional aspirations. With the right approach, you can navigate every stage of your career with confidence and motivation, ready to seize the opportunities that come your way. Your Actions: What specific steps can you take today to boost your motivation and satisfaction at work? Reflect on your core values. How well do they align with your current work environment? If there's a mismatch, what specific actions would you take to bridge the gap and increase your job satisfaction? Living fully. Living well. Corinna P.S. If you think someone in your network would find this helpful, I'd be so grateful if you'd share it with them. © 2025 Corinna Kong. All Rights Reserved. |
Create Your Joyful Life
Tired of sacrificing your well-being for career success? I understand. Let's change that. Join our email community for practical tips and instantly receive your FREE worksheet: 'The 8 Pillars of Well-beingđź“ŚA Practical Guide to a Healthier, Happier You'.
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