3 Tell-Tale Signs That You Truly Love What You D0

Hey there, fellow BIPOC professional millennials! A space where the journey towards finding joy in our work is not just a quest but a shared experience. Like many of you, I was raised with the belief that hard work defines one's worth. For years, I took pride in my accomplishments, embracing the notion that work and pleasure should remain distinct entities.

However, a recent encounter with my therapist prompted a profound revelation: amidst the hustle and bustle of professional life, I had lost sight of what truly brings me fulfillment. It got me thinking: what work do I actually love to do? And let me tell you, it wasn't as easy to answer as I thought it would be. Sure, I thought I loved everything about human resources until I really started digging deep. I realized that my passion for human resources, once unwavering, was not without its caveats. There were aspects of the field that failed to ignite my enthusiasm. This introspection led me to a fundamental realization: true satisfaction in our careers stems not merely from external achievements but from an intrinsic alignment with our deepest passions and values. So, I began to explore what truly lights me up inside.

"...true satisfaction in our careers stems not merely from external achievements but from an intrinsic alignment with our deepest passions and values."

That's when I stumbled upon what I like to call my "3 Es" in work satisfaction: Ease, Enthusiasm, and Engagement. These are the moments when work feels like a breeze, when I'm genuinely excited to dive in, and when I'm fully immersed and connected to what I'm doing.  Join me as we delve deeper into unlocking the secrets of work satisfaction and reclaiming joy in our professional endeavors.

Work that is accomplished with EASE!

I'll admit I've always prided myself on my ability to tackle any challenge head-on in my line of work. There's a certain satisfaction that comes with knowing that with enough determination, there's very little that I can't accomplish. Yet, this relentless pursuit of success in areas that require strengthening my knowledge or skills has often taken a toll on my mental and emotional well-being, burdening me with more stress than anyone should bear.

"And dancing being a valued hobby of mine, rhythm, and flow are all too important."

However, as I took a step back and started to reflect on my journey, I began to realize something important. Amidst the chaos of striving for excellence, there were moments when tasks seemed to effortlessly fall into place, requiring minimal effort both mentally and physically. It was as if my actions were guided by instinctual wisdom, flowing seamlessly with the rhythm of the task at hand. And dancing being a valued hobby of mine, rhythm, and flow are all too important.

It dawned on me that my joy in dance may exist in my work. These moments of ease were not just fleeting occurrences but glimpses into a work environment where I could thrive without constantly pushing myself to the limit. While I've proven time and time again that I can conquer any challenge, I've come to understand that true fulfillment lies in embracing the tasks that come naturally to me, allowing room for ease and efficiency in my professional life.

So yes, I can do anything—but that doesn't mean I have to do everything. Join me as I strive to cultivate a work environment where success is measured not by the magnitude of effort exerted but by the ease with which we navigate our professional journeys.

Greeting daily tasks with pure ENTHUSIASM!

You've probably heard the famous quote: "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." It's more than just a saying – it's a truth I've come to live by. When you're doing work that genuinely resonates with you, it doesn't feel like work at all. There's no morning dread, no constant clock-watching. Instead, you find yourself immersed, losing track of time as you dive into your tasks. This intrinsic joy and enthusiasm serve as potent indicators that I'm on the right path.

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius

For me, this feeling of flow is a clear sign that my work holds intrinsic meaning. The genuine enthusiasm that bubbles up when I talk about it, the seamless transition into work mode – all confirm that I'm doing what I love. It's not forced; it's natural, effortless. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.

Now, as you reflect on your own professional journey, I encourage you to consider: Do you feel that same sense of excitement and purpose in your work? Are there tasks or projects that light that spark of enthusiasm within you? Take some time to explore these questions. Remember, it's never too late to realign your career with your passions and priorities. Embrace the opportunity to pursue work that brings you genuine fulfillment. Because when you love what you do, every day becomes an opportunity for growth, creativity, and joy. So, let's embark on this journey together—towards a more fulfilling and rewarding professional life.

Achieving constant ENGAGEMENT!

When you're engaged in work that resonates with your passion, it feels less like a chore and more like a fulfilling pursuit. Reflecting on my decade-long career, I found myself asking a crucial question: "Was I merely working to finish tasks, or was I truly engaged?" It became evident that the projects I felt most proud of were the ones where I was fully immersed and invested. On the flip side, recalling certain tasks filled me with a sense of dread—I had no desire to revisit those experiences.

Recognizing this distinction was pivotal. It became clear that aligning my work with my values and passions was essential for thriving in my career. By advocating for myself and prioritizing tasks that sparked my enthusiasm, I could navigate my professional life without succumbing to burnout or dissatisfaction.

'...What people experience in their every day work — their feelings of involvement and enthusiasm — matters more in reducing stress than where they are sitting.' - Gallup's 2023 State of the Global Workplace Report

Numerous studies collectively have demonstrated that engaged employees are happier and more productive, leading to positive outcomes for both employees and organizations. One of my favorite sources, if you know me well or follow my platforms, is Gallup's State of the Global Workplace Report: Gallup's research consistently shows that engaged employees are more productive. In their 2023 report, they found that engagement has 3.8 times as much influence on employee stress as work location. In other words, what people experience in their everyday work — their feelings of involvement and enthusiasm — matters more in reducing stress than where they are sitting. By extension, the less stressed an individual is, the more productive they can be. If you are a team/business leader, I highly recommend you explore these insights further from Gallup's report.

Ensuring that your work maintains your engagement is key to sustaining productivity over the long term. When you're passionate about what you do, you're more likely to approach challenges with creativity and resilience, leading to greater fulfillment and success.

These three E's have been my guiding lights, helping me establish my Success platform by prioritizing projects and initiatives I can accomplish with EASE, greeting every client request with genuine ENTHUSIASM, and serving my community fully ENGAGED. Each service I offer is crafted intentionally, allowing me to leverage my gifts to their fullest potential for years to come and make a meaningful impact on others' lives.

Now, I challenge you to start listing your tasks and projects that meet these three E's. Take a moment to reflect on whether you truly LOVE what you do. Your career should be a source of joy and fulfillment, and aligning your work with these principles can unlock a world of possibilities. Embrace the journey towards finding your passion and purpose in your professional life!