“The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else…The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career!”
Many of us at a certain point will share this strong, unpleasant, full of darkness and disappointment feeling of hating our job. And no, I am not talking about the working environment, although it is part of our job, but about our daily tasks. We might feel that we are more creative and ambitious, but our job and responsibilities are draining all positive aspects of who we are and what we can actually offer. And although we feel that way on a daily basis, however, we strive…
It’s quite paradoxical to strive for something you are not actually passionate about. We tend to hear that when you love what you do when you are passionate and enthusiastic you can do things you have never imagined you were capable of.
So, how it is possible being successful at something you hate?
1. You are aware that this is a temporary job or you have set future goals.
While we are not happy with our current job, we are also aware that there is a deadline. We know that this is not forever and this is exactly what motivates us to keep going. We acknowledge that this is a temporary stepping stone to achieve something higher or to sustain us financially. We have a vision or a goal for the future. Being aware of your current situation can help you deliver your job’s objectives even though you are not motivated.
2. It’s your job and not your profession.
Although these two words are often used interchangeably, however, they are quite different!
A job includes activities that someone performs short-term in exchange for a monetary value. On the other hand, a profession requires a formal education and qualifying exams. Most workplaces occupy people from diverse professions, such as advocates, architects, doctors, nurses, economists, financial analysts, journalist, lawyers, psychologists, but they are working in the customer service. People that are able to understand these differences can develop a strong internal feeling that their job does not define them. They know why they are doing this job, and they will eventually get out of it. These people work hard to earn the money they want, while they are working on their dreams. They are courageous enough to compromise to make their dreams happen.
3. The fulfillment of being the best.
Taking myself as an example, I have always had this imperative need to be the best or to give the maximum of my efforts. Even though I fulfilled positions that drained me emotionally and were below my expectations and needs, I managed to exceed. I felt proud of being the best or it was a great achievement for me to be able to be the best in something I hate. I used myself as a role model to be inspired. My fundamental motivation was that if you are good at something you hate, imagine what you can give in something you love. I did not want to fall into the trap of just because I am earning enough, I will not continue to pursue my dreams. If you learn how to adapt your perceptions, you will become masterful at creating positive experiences, while engaging to negative ones.
4. You are doing something you love on the side.
Having a full-time job can be exhausting, especially if you are not satisfied with it. People tend to believe that they need to quit their job to do what they love. However, if you do not have the financial resources to do so, this is quite difficult. You do not need to quit your job to make drastic life changes. All you have to do is make some time to achieve your goals daily. A lot of people tend to subconsciously sabotage themselves due to the fear of the unknown, the familiar territory, the comfort zone. When you do something on the side, not only gives you the energy to continue your current job successfully, but also you do not have any financial stresses as they covered from your current job.
5. You know your strengths.
I am good at what I am doing because I know I am better than this. Every person will underestimate his strengths, capabilities, and capacities when they will do something that is below their goals and dreams. Once people realize their standout strengths, they are able to be more productive, agile on what they are doing, and have the perseverance to deal with current undesirable situations to achieve what they desire. The same strengths that will keep you motivated in your current position, will give you the confidence to leave to pursue the riskier path. Being able to identify, develop and apply your strengths in your current workplace while simultaneously working on your goals is the secret and most valuable tool.
"And after a while, it will not be the money the primary motivation factor; it will be the passion for your job and the professional and personal satisfaction that you get out of doing what you do that will motivate you..."