Motivation – the importance of ‘why’ at work
Having a strong sense of purpose, or a “why,” at work is crucial for me. It’s what keeps me motivated, especially during challenging times. Coming back from the private to the public sector in the last few years has shown me just how important this sense of purpose is.
The contrast between sectors
When I moved back to the education sector after several roles in the private sector, the difference in my motivation was instantly clear. In the private sector, the driving force is ultimately about making somebody more money. The work can be interesting, and I’ve enjoyed tackling lots of new challenges, but when the going gets tough… that just isn’t enough.
In contrast, working in education sector has reignited my passion. Here, it’s not just about what’s on the balance sheet; it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. The disparities in access to great education have always driven me.
Finding purpose in daily tasks
It’s not just about the overarching goal; the importance of a “why” impacts my motivation for individual pieces of work too. When I’m faced with challenging tasks or unexpected changes, understanding the rationale behind what I’m doing helps me get back on track.
For instance, if a project takes a sudden turn or the expectations shift, I often feel lost or frustrated. However, when I can connect the dots to a greater purpose, everything becomes clearer. Knowing how my work contributes to a bigger cause can help me push through the obstacles. It gives me the energy to tackle tough projects head-on because I know there’s a reason behind the struggle.
Challenges of black and white thinking
I tend to think in a very black-and-white way, which can be both a help and a hindrance at work. This binary way of thinking is why I have such a strong sense of justice and fairness, and why working in the education sector motivates me so much.
If I’m asked to do something and I don’t understand why, my instinctive reaction is to be intensely annoyed, and to want to say “no”. Sometimes I can get the answers I need to dissipate that feeling, but sometimes we do just have to do things that don’t 100% make logical sense… and that can be a real struggle.
When I really can’t get motivation from the purpose, I have to motivate myself in other ways. Sometimes that is just timeboxing the task and knowing I’ll take a break afterwards, sometimes it’s loud energetic music in my headphones, or getting a nice drink and snack to go alongside the work. Some other positive to make the task feel worthwhile!
Embracing the “why”
Understanding my “why” at work has felt essential for my motivation and my resilience.
As I continue in my career, I know now that I should always seek out roles and projects that resonate with my values.
November 2024
