"What’s the point?" "Why does this matter?"
When faced with an unfulfilling job, personal meaning is a powerful motivator that can drive employees to perform better and be more engaged in their work. A meaningful life requires struggle, stress, and effort, but personal investment can push through mundane tasks.
To create meaning in the monotony of a job, one must first figure out what makes things meaningful, then refocus work to feel meaningful. This involves cultivating self-awareness, writing a career mantra, recrafting one's job by changing tasks, relationships, or perceptions. By doing so, employees can transform mindless drudgery into more fulfilling acts of service and create a positive impact for others. Ultimately, personal meaning is essential to overcome obstacles, withstand setbacks, and thrive at work.