One thing I fear when it comes to work, is being dissatisfied with my job responsibilities & allowing mundane work routines to consume me to the point of unhappiness & unfulfillment. I have always preferred to be engaged in work that is not only meaningful but also challenging. Its important that whatever I do or decide to be involved in, is just as stimulating as it is motivating so that I still feel interested in my role. I crave having access to learning no matter where I am, especially at work.
Not wanting this feeling to set in, I try to keep a list of ideas I’ve come across that may need some TLC & could turn into a valuable project or way to resolve an issue the office or department has been dealing with or finds needs attention. Once I bring these up, especially if they haven’t been on my supervisor’s radar, this shows my initiative & ability to further problem solve. It also helps me take control of my professional development & career growth.
Anytime I’m ready to present a new idea, I make sure to have a plan of how I expect to execute the idea before actually presenting it to management. This way, I’m well prepared for any questions or concerns they may have & can properly sway their opinion with the answers I’d have assuring them that implementing this new idea will actually be beneficial in its intended way.
Show Initiative
Not always relying on my managers to pick up on the cues of my disengagement or need for more stimulating work is a perfect way for me to take responsibility. Understanding that I had the power to make my work more fulfilling & being in an environment that allowed this to be possible makes all the difference. It also gives me the opportunity to seek our additional resources outside of those I engage with on a daily basis. When it comes to seeking out or presenting ideas for a new challenge, its important to consider details that could greatly impact your along the way.
Plan Within Your Means
Theres nothing worse than making a suggestion & not being able to execute your part. Be sure that you’re capable or have at least designated the people & resources needed to make it possible. This is what its important to plan ahead. You’ll have taken the time to determine how you’ll contribute & also how your skills & knowledge measure up to others who may be more capable or who have access to the information you need. Planning ahead of time will make the project run more smoothly, efficiently & you’ll have the insight necessary to deal with any unexpected roadblocks without compromising timelines in the process.
Learn a New Professional Skill
Seeking new challenges can also come in the form of learning something new. Its possible any existing skills you may have been hired for are no longer keeping maintaining the level of motivation needed in your desired pursuit. Seeking training to add a new skill to your list of existing can be a great way to challenge yourself, especially if theres no option for approving new projects in your immediate role. If you’re interested in learning a new role within your current organization, there may be an opportunity for you to cross train.
Take the time to speak with your manager regardless if you’ve become interested in learning something new inside or outside of your organization or if you’ve come up with something valuable you believe the company could benefit from.