We often think “purpose” is reserved for nurses, teachers, or the people curing cancer. Of course, those roles are often inherently noble, but they’re not the only people who make a difference. People in construction, accounting, tech, manufacturing, and all of the other “normal jobs” are making our world go round.
Unfortunately, as humans we frequently underestimate our impact, we lose sight of our ripple effect. When facing an overflowing inbox, our work goes from something that matters to other people, and makes a difference, into nothing more than a very long to-do list. It happens even faster in a virtual environment, without the physical reminders that we are in fact part of something bigger than ourselves.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Each of us holds the power to create a more meaningful work experience for ourselves, even when the to-do list and the inbox don’t change.
Here are three ways to find purpose in the job you already have:
Frame your to-do list.