We all want to feel that what we do every day matters. But when you’re wading through tedious meetings and endless to-do lists — perhaps with less-than-inspirational managers breathing down your neck — it’s hard to feel a sense of purpose about your work. Fortunately, many studies have shown that even a brief moment of reflection can help boost your performance and resilience. Ask yourself questions that help you see the big picture, such as, “Who is going to benefit from what I’m doing?” Remembering, for example, that your daunting presentation will allow you to champion the ideas of a new colleague may help you stay focused and engaged throughout. Or you might ask yourself: “If I get this task done well, what bigger aspiration or value of mine will it support?” Perhaps the never-ending spreadsheet you’re building will help the board make better financial decisions. Finding a meaningful goal can help you power through a seemingly meaningless task with a sense of purpose.
Adapted from "Find Purpose in Even Your Most Mundane Tasks at Work," by Valerie Keller and Caroline Webb
