What do you do if you're an executive struggling to find purpose and passion in your career?

Stop making it about how you feel and start making it about how you make others feel. Pretty much everything of value has a positive impact on someone or some group of people. When you understand the impact of your work, you will rediscover your purpose and passion.

'Struggling' is the first sign that your career is not aligned to your purpose, so it is really difficult to find passion. That feeling is good news, is telling you that there is need for change. So... first we need to look at our personal situation with curiosity and see what brings us energy on a day-to-day as well as what drains our energy. Make an inventory of all those daily experiences. If you have too many energy drainers... guess what? time to channel our inner 'marie-kondo' and 'donate' (delegate)/remove from your life the energy drainer activities as much as possible and do more of what brings you joy. The secret is in making space for the smalls sparks and grow them.

Many 'executives' (mid-career senior managers?) will reach a point where meaning becomes more important than achievement. This manifests initially as disaffection, but can easily develop into anything from a mid-life crisis to a dark night of the soul. Essentially it's a disconnect between what you do and your inner sense of purpose, eroding your mental/physical health until you do something about it. Many continue because they are afraid to lose income. Long-term, fear-based activities are guaranteed to compromise health.

I would suggest "journaling" as an incredibly effective strategy for deep reflection that goes beyond simple contemplation. Writing down your thoughts and experiences every day helps you see patterns and changes over time that you might otherwise miss. It's like having a conversation with yourself on paper, which can be incredibly revealing and therapeutic as you navigate through your career.

TIP - Integrate the concept of Ikigai to rediscover your professional purpose and passion. Reflect on what you love (your passion), what the world needs (your mission), what you are good at (your vocation), and what you can be paid for (your profession). This Japanese concept encourages you to find the intersection of these elements, providing a powerful framework for reflection. By examining your next steps through the lens of Ikigai, you can uncover a deeper sense of purpose that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations, revitalizing your career and enhancing your fulfillment.

Hay dos preguntas en este sentido que me parecen muy poderosas a la hora de hacernos de manera interna. ¿Quién soy? y ¿Cuál es mi propósito? Ambas me parecen de gran importancia a la hora de reflexionar internamente y que tienen un poder inimaginable a la hora de desarrollarnos personal y profesionalmente. Por ello me parece muy importante reflexionar a menudo sobre ello para recordar si quién soy hoy es quién realmente quería ser y si estoy trabajando para hacer realidad mi propósito o lo estoy haciendo para hacer realidad el propósito de otra persona y me olvidé por el camino el mío. A veces no tenemos motivación para seguir y la razón principal es que nos hemos perdido dentro de nosotros/as y estamos transitando un camino equivocado.

Delve into personal reflection to rediscover what initially ignited your passion. Consider maintaining a journal to track thoughts and feelings about daily activities, identifying moments of engagement and disinterest. This deep introspection can highlight core values and aspects of your job that resonate most, guiding you toward a more fulfilling career path.

Engage in deep self-reflection to rediscover your professional purpose. Carve out dedicated time for introspection. Revisit your career journey, noting high points of fulfillment and enthusiasm. Identify projects and achievements that sparked joy and pride. Explore how your interests and values have evolved over time. Consider what aspects of your work align with your current life stage and aspirations. Use journaling or discussions with trusted mentors to gain clarity. Embrace reflection as a pathway to renewed passion and direction in your executive career.

Look more broadly at your life and think of the top 5 things that important for you in your life now. Does your current career fit nicely inside that life you desire? You may realize that what is important in your life now is no longer aligned with your job. In that case, you can start thinking about the changes that you can make in your current job. Make a list of ways or rules that will help you achieve your life priorities (e.g., protecting time with family, prioritizing health). You can also change your perspective around your current job. Try to find meaning and passion again in the work that you do and increase the time you spend on tasks that align with your higher priorities.

Both Life purpose and Career purpose aren't just set one time and are supposed to last forever. A purpose is revisited as often as needed though most of the time they are just tiny bit tweaked and not necessarily totally revamped. This process requires time and effort that aren't always deployed for this purpose.

TIP - When seeking feedback, approach the conversation with curiosity and the intention to understand rather than to respond or defend. Ask open-ended questions that encourage detailed insights, such as "What could I do differently to improve?" or "Can you give an example of when I handled a situation well?" This approach not only broadens your perspective but also deepens your understanding of how your actions are perceived by others. Remember, the goal is to gather varied viewpoints to enrich your self-awareness, not to validate your existing beliefs. This openness can unveil new avenues for growth and reinvigorate your passion for your work.

Seeking feedback is vital for personal and professional growth. Engage with colleagues, mentors, and loved ones to gain diverse perspectives on your strengths and contributions. Embrace this feedback loop to uncover hidden talents and reignite your passion. Understanding how your work impacts others can reveal purposeful aspects of your role, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow from the insights of those around you. #Feedback #PersonalDevelopment

Seeking feedback is pivotal for an executive grappling with purpose and passion. Engage in candid conversations with trusted colleagues, mentors, or coaches. Request insights on strengths, areas for growth, and potential avenues for rekindling passion. Embrace constructive criticism to realign your career with meaningful objectives and reignite your sense of purpose.

Channel your inner visionary and craft a personal manifesto that articulates your values, beliefs, and vision for your career and life. Draw inspiration from your reflections and insights to create a compelling narrative that serves as a guiding light on your journey towards purpose. Share your manifesto with trusted mentors, colleagues, and loved ones to garner feedback and support. By crystallizing your purpose into a tangible manifesto, you create a roadmap for living and leading with intention and authenticity.

Level Up Your Game: Embrace Feedback! 🚀 Ever wondered how others perceive your strengths? 🌟 Time to find out! 🎯 Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and yes, even your family for some fresh perspective. 🗣️ Let's dive deep into the feedback loop and uncover those hidden gems of talent. 💎 Who knows? You might just discover a new spark or refine your passion! 🔥 Ready to hear the unfiltered truth? Let's ignite that growth mindset! 💡 #FeedbackIsFuel #GrowthMindset #PersonalDevelopment

Ask others' for their view on what you're good at and where you seem to be challenged. They may be able to help you identify if things have shifted for you and why that may be. Don't be afraid to highlight if things don't feel as they used to for you, and seek supportive people to discuss this with - it's a cliche but has real meaning when we say that life is too short to be stuck somewhere you're not feeling happy and fulfilled.

Here's how you can use goal-setting to find purpose and passion: a) Reflect on Your Values: Identify what's most important to you, both in your career and life. What legacy do you want to leave? b) Set Value-Driven Goals: Create goals that are directly linked to your values. Ensure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). c) Align Actions with Goals: Break down your goals into actionable steps. Make sure your daily activities contribute to these goals, which should align with your values. d) Review and Adjust Regularly: Periodically review your goals to ensure they still resonate with your values. Be prepared to adjust them as you grow and as your understanding of your passion evolves.

Setting goals is pivotal for rekindling passion in your career. Begin by envisioning your desired career destination and the legacy you aim to create. Transform this vision into actionable goals, ensuring they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Pursuing these objectives provides direction and revitalizes your sense of purpose as you make tangible strides toward your aspirations. Embrace goal-setting as a catalyst for igniting enthusiasm and driving meaningful progress in your professional journey. #GoalSetting #CareerPassion

Setting goals is imperative for an executive seeking purpose and passion. Reflect on personal values and professional aspirations to establish clear objectives. Define SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals aligned with these principles. Regularly review and adjust goals to ensure they remain motivating and conducive to fulfilment in your career journey.

Rediscover the spark of curiosity that fuels your passion for learning and growth. Cultivate a beginner's mindset and approach your career with a sense of wonder and curiosity. Seek out new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for learning and development. Embrace uncertainty and embrace the unknown, knowing that each new experience holds the potential to broaden your horizons and deepen your sense of purpose. By embracing curiosity, you infuse your career with vitality, inspiration, and a sense of possibility.

Fuel Your Fire: Set SMART Goals! 🔥 Ready to light up your career path? 🌟 Start by painting a vivid picture of your dream destination. 🖼️ Then, let's break it down into bite-sized, SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 🎯 Whether it's climbing the corporate ladder or pioneering a new industry standard, let's craft a roadmap to success! 🚀 Every step forward fuels your passion and propels you closer to your legacy. 💼 Are you in? Let's make those dreams a reality! 💪 #GoalGetter #PassionPioneer #CareerSuccess

So, how can executives effectively focus on continuous learning? Here are tips: Seek mentorship: Identify leaders you admire and engage with them. Their insights and experiences can prove invaluable in your leadership journey. Stay curious: Keep asking questions and challenge yourself to think critically. Expose yourself to new ideas and experiences - it will only help broaden your perspective.

To cultivate an open and curious mind for learning, actively seek out topics and activities outside your comfort zone, embracing the discomfort that often accompanies new challenges. Engage with diverse perspectives and disciplines through books, conversations, and varied educational formats to broaden your horizons and spark innovative thinking.

Commit to continuous learning and professional development. Whether through formal education, workshops, or self-directed learning, expanding your skills can breathe new life into your career. It keeps you competitive and relevant in your field, while also satisfying the innate human desire for growth and achievement.

Embrace continuous learning to reignite your professional passion. Identify new skills or areas of expertise that spark your curiosity. Enroll in courses, workshops, or certification programs to expand your knowledge. Attend industry conferences to stay current on emerging trends and best practices. Seek out mentors or experts who can share their insights and experiences. Engage in self-directed learning through books, podcasts, or online resources. Apply your newfound knowledge to innovate and drive positive change in your organization. Cultivate a growth mindset and find joy in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Take time to think about if there are new areas you could learn and develop in, or if taking a course/attending a workshop could help you reflect and learn from your current situation. This may open up new areas for you and bring back some of that passion and purpose you're missing. As we progress in careers we often forget that learning is lifelong and can support our growth and provide even more exciting opportunities.

Embracing learning is paramount for reigniting passion in your executive role. Identify skills or domains that intrigue you and dedicate yourself to expanding your knowledge in those areas. Whether through courses, workshops, or staying abreast of industry trends, continuous learning invigorates your mind and injects fresh energy and ideas into your career. Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning to stay agile, innovative, and passionate about your professional journey. #ContinuousLearning #CareerGrowth

Embracing learning is essential for executives seeking purpose and passion. Stay curious and open-minded, actively seeking new knowledge and skills. Invest in professional development opportunities, workshops, and courses relevant to your interests. By continuously growing and evolving, you'll cultivate a sense of fulfilment and purpose in your career journey.

Cultivate meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share your values, interests, and aspirations. Seek out networking opportunities that align with your passions and purpose, whether it's attending industry events, joining professional organizations, or participating in community service initiatives. Engage in purposeful conversations that inspire and uplift you, and nurture relationships that support your personal and professional growth. By surrounding yourself with a supportive network of peers and mentors, you create a sense of belonging and camaraderie that fuels your passion and purpose.

Discover your inner self . Here is something you can do : 1. Write your Vision , purpose & Mission. Simply Ask question - what is your ideal world , you wish to create if God gave your opportunity ? 2. What would you like to do if money earning was no longer a necessity for you ? 3. Is there something you do that others can't or they seek your help frequently?

Level Up Your Network: Connect with Purpose! 🤝 Networking isn't just about swapping business cards; it's about forging meaningful connections with those who uplift and inspire you. 🌟 Seek out peers who share your passions or have faced similar hurdles. 🚀 These connections aren't just about professional growth; they're about finding your tribe, sparking creativity, and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration. 💼 Let's build a community where we can learn, grow, and reignite our passion for what we do! 🔥 Who's ready to connect with purpose? Let's make magic happen! ✨ #NetworkingWithPurpose #CommunityMatters #CareerInspiration

Networking with purpose goes beyond mere expansion of contacts; it's about connecting with individuals who inspire and challenge you. Seek peers who share your interests or have faced similar challenges. These connections offer support, foster creativity, and create opportunities for collaboration. Engage with a community of like-minded professionals to reignite your enthusiasm and discover purpose in your career journey. Embrace networking as a tool for personal and professional growth. #Networking #CareerDevelopment

Networking purposefully is vital for executives seeking renewed purpose and passion. Connect with individuals who inspire and share similar values. Engage in meaningful conversations to exchange insights and perspectives. Seek out mentors or peers who can offer guidance and support. Cultivating a purposeful network fosters inspiration and opportunities for growth in your career journey.

Tap into your creative spirit to infuse your career with passion and purpose. Explore artistic outlets such as painting, writing, or music that allow you to express yourself authentically and creatively. Embrace the process of creation as a source of inspiration and fulfillment, and allow your creative pursuits to inform and enrich your professional endeavors. By nurturing your creative spirit, you unlock new pathways to innovation, fulfillment, and purpose in your career.

Feed your soul When you’re out of balance, turn to the deeper questions: ↪︎︎ 𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥? ↪︎︎ 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳? ↪︎︎ 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘺? I remember asking these questions when I had what others would consider a “dream job” And I remember being (more than) a little afraid of the changes the answers might require But here’s what I’ve learned: 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Forcing yourself to be and do the things that you would gladly abandon if given a chance - that’s what is really exhausting Create a life and career that will feed your soul instead of draining it

By prioritizing work-life balance as an executive, you can sustain your passion and drive in your career while also nurturing your overall well-being and fulfillment outside of work. Remember that achieving balance is an ongoing process, and it's important to regularly reassess and adjust your approach as needed.

In the world of executive leadership, maintaining a work-life balance can be more complex than it seems. While we strive to advance our careers, we must also consider the impact our decisions have on our overall well-being. Finding the right rhythm that enables you to excel professionally and preserve your personal life may require subtle shifts over time. Continuously re-evaluate and adapt, as life's demands ebb and flow. Encourage openness about the struggles of work-life balance with your team. A nuanced conversation about the challenges each faces fosters empathy and deeper understanding amongst team members. Ultimately, achieving equilibrium is an ongoing process.

Ensure a healthy work-life balance to sustain your enthusiasm and prevent burnout. This includes setting boundaries around work hours, taking time for physical and mental health, and engaging in hobbies and activities outside of work. A well-balanced life supports a more productive and fulfilling professional life.

Prioritising balance is key for executives seeking purpose and passion. Allocate time for work, family, hobbies, and self-care. Set boundaries to protect personal time and avoid burnout. Regularly reassess priorities to ensure alignment with values and goals. Achieving balance nurtures fulfilment and reinvigorates passion in both professional and personal spheres.

Think about a different kind of balance: between exploit and explore. You have ‘Exploit’: what they have been doing up and who they have been up until now. This will almost always include their source of their value and income, it will be tied to their expertise and their experience. There are a few exceptions, those who are lucky enough to be independently wealthy, but those are rare. And then you have their ‘Explore’: which are areas that have potential, these could be side hustles, they could be hobbies, they could be long dreamed of goals and aspirations that people just somehow never got to. This then allows you to explore what I call 'capability bridges' from one to the other. Integrate the work-life balance within this frame.

Career purpose can't be determined in isolation of Life purpose. While the first might have more KPIs and OKRs, both purposes need to be aligned with a lot in common. No one has ever become a totally different person the minute they step out of home and inside the office and no one is supposed to do so 100%. A Career can constitute up to 70% of ones's life so how can a career purpose be any different from Life purpose?

Reflect on the broader impact of your work within the company and the community. Understanding the significance of your role and its contribution to the larger picture can renew your sense of purpose and drive. Additionally, consider potential pivots or lateral moves within your field that could offer new challenges and rekindle your passion.

Reflect upon what is happening in your career today with the end in mind. Consider what legacy you are building through your day-to-day actions and the overall impact of the work you are accomplishing. Reconnect with what success means to you and what makes success significant and meaningful for you. Use a combination of reflective meditation, journaling, and working with a coach to help you see beyond what is directly in front of you and reconnect with the big picture of your impact - actual and desired. Finding joy and fulfillment in senior and executive leadership requires intentional and continuous reflection, realignment, and renewal to ensure that your actions today are creating the legacy of your tomorrow.

Remember there are the ABCI's of any transition: Agency - you need to feel that you have an effect on thing you are trying to do. Belonging - that you are not alone, that there are others like you. Cause - that is it important to you, it doesn't have to an ethical or social dimension, but it needs to move you in some way. Identity - this is as much about how you want to see yourself (also the key to lasting behaviour change) as it is how others see you. Don't forget this part, it's often disproportionately important. A transition can be very hard, and the mixture of the above is deeply personal, but you need to have all four.