We all want a job that inspires and energizes us rather than drains and depletes us. But how can you tell if your current role is truly energizing and aligned with your core motivations?
If you’ve taken the MCode assessment, you’ve got a picture of how you’re motivated. And you’ve probably figured out that when you’re in a position that ticks all of your Motivational Dimensions, every day flies by as you feel empowered, inspired, and fulfilled.
Understanding your Motivational Dimension can provide valuable insight into whether you’re working in your motivational “sweet spot” or if it’s time to make a change.
Signs your job is energizing you
- You look forward to going to work most days. Of course, there are many times when Monday will do what Monday does. But if you wake up actually excited about the day ahead and end the day feeling like your time and efforts were well spent, consider yourself energized.
- Time flies when you’re engaged in your tasks. There is a concept of “deep play,” an immersive activity in which time feels like it disappears. If you find yourself engrossed in an activity that makes time evaporate, you’re in your zone.
- You feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. When a friend asks how work is going, and you can’t wait to tell them what’s happening, it is a sign that your job is energizing.
- You have a long-range view of your future. When you feel like you can continue to perform optimally at your job for an extended period, you’re likely in an energizing role.
- You’re excited to take on new challenges in your role. Jobs that provide opportunities for growth and new opportunities can energize and invigorate you, but only if those challenges align with your Motivational Dimensions.
Signs your job is draining you
- You dread going to work and feel relieved when it’s over. If Sunday night feels terrible and Monday morning feels worse, you might be in a position that is out of alignment with your Motivational Dimensions.
- Time drags and you’re constantly watching the clock. If the tasks you’re assigned feel like they go on forever and will never end, you’re likely out of alignment with what truly motivates you. You can attempt to gamify your job with your Motivational Dimensions, or look for a position more aligned with who you really are.
- You feel unfulfilled or that your talents are being wasted. If your job only uses a subset of your skills and doesn’t allow you to contribute in a way that motivates you fully, you can find yourself drained by your current position.
- Your job feels at odds with who you truly are. If you find that you seek adventures outside of work to express your true self because you feel blocked at work, you may feel like most of your waking time isn’t truly fulfilling.
- New tasks or projects feel like burdens rather than opportunities. Even a promotion or a high-profile project can be draining if it doesn’t align with your Motivational Dimensions.
Staying in your motivational zone
The key to an energizing job is staying in your motivational zone, the area where your work aligns with your core drivers and allows you to leverage your innate strengths. Let’s look at how each Motivational Dimension can find more inspiration in their work:
Achievers
You thrive on excellence and standing out. To feel energized, an Achiever must seek opportunities to take on high-profile projects, set ambitious personal performance goals, and ensure your unique contributions are recognized. Consider asking for stretch assignments that allow you to demonstrate your capabilities.
Drivers
Your motivation comes from overcoming challenges and driving results. Drivers might look for roles with clear objectives and tight deadlines. Volunteer to tackle the toughest problems in your organization. Set bold personal goals and track your progress rigorously.
Influencers
You’re energized by shaping outcomes and inspiring others. An Influencer must seek opportunities to mentor colleagues, lead initiatives, or represent your team/company. Look for ways to make a tangible impact through your work and persuade others of your vision.
Learners
A Learner’s drive comes from acquiring and demonstrating new knowledge. To stay energized, continuously seek out learning opportunities in your role. Ask to attend conferences, take on projects in new areas, or even teach others what you’ve mastered.
Optimizers
An Optimizer thrives on improving systems and processes. Look for inefficiencies in your workplace that you can streamline. Propose new ways of doing things that increase productivity. Take on the role of making your team or department run more smoothly.
Orchestrators
Your energy comes from organizing people and processes toward a common goal. Orchestrators thrive in leadership roles where they can coordinate diverse elements. Look for opportunities to develop and implement strategic plans.
Relators
Fostering connections and collaboration energizes Relators. Find ways to strengthen relationships within your team or with clients. Propose team-building activities or cross-functional projects. Look for roles that allow you to support and bring out the best in others.
Visionaries
A Visionary’s motivation stems from imagining and realizing future possibilities. Seek roles that allow you to innovate and think long-term. Propose new initiatives or products. Look for opportunities to shape the future direction of your team or company.
Use motivation to create a career that energizes you
Remember, staying energized at work isn’t just about what you do but how well it aligns with your intrinsic motivations. If you find your current role consistently draining rather than energizing, it may be time to talk with your manager about adjusting your responsibilities or considering a career move that better aligns with your Motivational Dimensions.
Understanding and honoring your core motivations can create a work life that not only pays the bills but also fuels your passion and drive. After all, when you’re working in your motivational sweet spot, work doesn’t just feel like work. It feels like you’re fulfilling your purpose.
If you’re ready to discover how Motivation Code can help you create a career that energizes you, take the MCode assessment today.
