How to Develop Your Personal Professional Drive

Being professionally driven doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Nor should it! Everyone out there has their own unique set of strengths. Don’t feel like you have to get locked into one narrow definition of success. By allowing yourself to lean into what professionally energizes you personally, you’ll be able to achieve greater results that have an even wider impact. Rather than feel intimidated by the need to develop a stronger sense of ambitiousness, think of developing your drive as a way to build upon the powerful foundation you’ve already built. The pros we’ve turned to below will help you figure out how to do just that.

We love this method from Diane Byington, Ph.D., at TruScore: “Consider your strengths, and those activities that give you energy. Typically, your greatest success will come from developing your strengths, rather than shoring up your weaknesses. If you aren’t sure what your strengths are, ask a trusted colleague. Everyone has strengths, and you need to find your own, work with them, and choose a development plan that maximizes them.” You don’t have to start from scratch! Think about what you already excel at–and keep doing it. Find new ways to connect into those sources of strength as you apply your experiences to any workplace obstacle that comes your way. And we also love the way this tip inspires connection. Make sure you’re keeping your professional community in mind, and trusting their insights, as you move towards your goals. 

We also appreciate the way Marty Nemko, Ph.D., at Psychology Today highlights an obstacle many face when developing their personal, professional drives: “Too narrow a definition of ‘the pursuit of happiness.’ Many people with low drive equate the pursuit of happiness with avoiding work, especially unpleasant work. They fail to realize that happiness or at least contentment, is more likely when one takes pleasure in the process of being productive. If your pursuit of happiness is defined merely by doing as little work as possible so you can do more pleasant things, it can feel but superficially good and, at least in the long run, make you feel like you’re living an empty life.” Reframe the way you think of what makes you happy. Let even the little things give you joy. Taking a few minutes in the middle of your workday to organize your inbox may feel like a tiny step towards your goal, but every single step–no matter how big or small–will propel you closer to achieving your career dreams. Expand your sense of happiness by leaning into all of the opportunities your professional environment offers rather than endeavoring to do as little work as possible. 

A better way to approach tackling your work faster is to hone your professional skills. That way, rather than thinking of it as reducing your workload, you’ll be applying a positive framework of improving your workplace efficiency. Find little ways to make each task fun, providing you with bursts of joy that will keep you fueled. And if you’re ever in need of a mood boost, remember that you can always turn to the co-workers in your workplace community. Join us again Monday as we return with our newest set of Mood Boosters.

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