When it comes to career fulfilment, many of us aim for happiness as the ultimate goal. However, Dr. Corrie Block challenges this conventional wisdom. In his Forbes article on why career happiness isn’t what you want (full article linked below), he argues that career happiness may not be what we truly need. Instead, a focus on deeper fulfilment and purpose offers a more rewarding path.
The Science Of Happiness
Happiness is often linked to fleeting experiences driven by neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin. While these “happiness triggers” can provide temporary joy, they are rarely tied to long-term career satisfaction. Scrolling social media or indulging in comfort food might boost happiness momentarily, but these actions do little to enhance professional fulfilment.
Dr. Corrie points out that much of what contributes to a fulfilling career involves hard work and perseverance—tasks that don’t always produce immediate happiness. In fact, approximately 80% of the efforts leading to a fulfilling life are challenging rather than enjoyable. Recognizing this disconnect is crucial for redefining our career goals.
Shifting from Happiness to Fulfilment
A more sustainable career strategy involves pursuing fulfilment, which stems from aligning your work with your values and purpose. Fulfilment is about making meaningful contributions and overcoming challenges that matter to you. This mindset fosters resilience and satisfaction, even during tough times.
Dr. Corrie encourages individuals to embrace a holistic approach, where both professional and personal growth contribute to a sense of purpose. By doing so, the highs and lows of your career become part of a larger, fulfilling journey.
Strategies to Cultivate Fulfilment
Define Your Core Values: Identifying what truly matters to you provides a roadmap for meaningful work. Whether it’s creativity, impact, or innovation, aligning your career with these values is key.
Set Purpose-Driven Goals: Move beyond goals that promise quick wins. Instead, aim for objectives that contribute to your long-term vision of success and fulfilment.
Embrace the Grind: Fulfilment often involves tasks that are difficult or mundane. Recognizing the value of these efforts can help you appreciate the bigger picture.
Celebrate Growth, Not Just Outcomes: A fulfilling career is marked by continuous learning and growth. Focus on how each experience contributes to your personal and professional development.
Cultivate Gratitude: Gratitude fosters a positive mindset, allowing you to appreciate the journey, even when it’s tough. Reflecting on your achievements can also reinforce your sense of purpose.
The Role Of Employers
Employers play a vital role in helping employees find fulfilment. Organizations that create a purpose-driven culture and provide opportunities for growth contribute significantly to their team’s well-being. Dr. Block suggests that companies prioritizing employee fulfilment often see increased engagement and productivity.
A New Perspective on Career Success
Ultimately, shifting the focus from happiness to fulfilment can transform your career trajectory. While happiness is transient, fulfilment offers a deeper, more lasting sense of achievement. To dive deeper into this transformative approach, explore Dr. Corrie’s insights in the original article on Forbes – Why career happiness isn’t what you want
