Have you ever found yourself at work, surrounded by mounting deadlines and an ever-growing to-do list, but instead of diving in, your mind is in la-la land and you find yourself staring into space? Despite the stress and pressure, you can’t seem to shake off a sense of inertia and a lack of motivation. What you’re feeling is languishing.
Languishing is a common career phenomenon that many professionals experience. It’s the state between flourishing and burnout, where you feel a lack of purpose and a disconnection from your work. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of languishing, identify its symptoms, and provide practical strategies to overcome it and rediscover meaning in your career.
Understanding Languishing: What Is It?
So, what exactly is this Languishing thing? Languishing is defined as the absence of feeling good about your life. It’s the feeling of being stuck in a state of apathy, disengagement, and a lack of motivation. While it may resemble depression or burnout, languishing is a distinct phenomenon with its own set of characteristics.
It’s a feeling of being emotionally flattened, disconnected from your community and purpose, and constantly searching for something that will bring meaning back into your life.
How Do I Know if I am Suffering from Languishing?
Languishing is not a mental health diagnosis, it’s the lack of it. It usually manifests in many forms. The symptoms provided below can guide you figure out if you’re suffering from languishing or not.
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Feeling emotionally flattened: You’re not feeling the highs or lows, just kind of coasting through the day.
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You lack any excitement and struggle to find enthusiasm for events and milestones, and a sense of inevitability and apathy takes over.
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Tasks at work and in your personal life become overwhelming and you start to wonder “why-try-anyway”. As result, you consistently procrastinate what to do.
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You find yourself increasingly disinterested in things that once sparked your curiosity, perceiving them as superficial or unimportant.
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You have a constant feeling that there’s something missing in your life that would make it feel complete again, but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is.
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You feel disconnected from your own community and lack a sense of greater purpose or cause.
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Your job, which once gave you a sense of accomplishment and/or meaning, now feels pointless in the grand scheme of things.
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You frequently experience brain fog and struggle to concentrate or remember even simple tasks.
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Health and Wellness: Discuss your individual health goals and the importance of physical and mental well-being. Share tips, ideas, and challenges related to leading a healthy lifestyle.
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It’s challenging to find the motivation to reach out to family and friends that were once very important to you, and you’ve been finding it harder to feel close to people.
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, it’s likely that you’re experiencing languishing in your career. The good news is that you can do something about it. There are strategies you can implement to overcome this state and rediscover fulfillment at work.
What Can I Do About it? – Strategies to Overcome Languishing.
Now that you’re aware of the symptoms of languishing, let’s dive into the actions and strategies to implement to overcome languishing and rediscover you self and a sense of meaning in your career.
Here are some practical steps you can take to reignite your sense of purpose and find meaning in your career:
1. Set Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care
First things first, let’s talk about your sanity. The most common trigger for languishing is burnout. With the increasing demands of work and the constant connectivity brought on by technology, it’s essential to set boundaries to protect your well-being and prioritize self-care. Here’s how you can do it:
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Define specific working hours and stick to them. Avoid checking work emails or engaging in work-related tasks outside of these hours.
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Take regular breaks throughout your workday to recharge and rejuvenate. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
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Develop a self-care routine that includes activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or any other practices that help you unwind and destress.
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Set boundaries by learning to say no when your plate is already full. Prioritize tasks and commitments based on their importance and impact on your overall well-being.
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Create designated technology-free zones or times to disconnect from the constant influx of emails, notifications, and work-related demands.
By setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, you can create a healthier work-life balance and protect yourself from the negative effects of burnout.
2. Reflect on Your Career Path and Goals
Languishing sometimes stems from a lack of clarity and alignment with your career path and goals. So take the time to do some soul-searching, reflect on your current situation and assess whether it aligns with your aspirations and values. Here’s how you can gain clarity:
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Evaluate your career choices, consider if your current career path was a deliberate choice or a result of circumstance. Reflect on whether it aligns with your passions, interests, and long-term goals.
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Explore what success means to you beyond external markers such as promotions or salary. Identify the aspects of work that bring you fulfillment, whether it’s personal growth, making a positive impact, or finding joy in your daily tasks.
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Determine the values that are most important to you in your career. Consider factors such as work-life balance, company culture, opportunities for growth, and the alignment of your values with the organization’s mission.
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Setshort-term and long-term goals that align with your values and aspirations. Break them down into actionable steps and create a roadmap for achieving them.
By gaining clarity on your career path and goals, you can make informed decisions and take steps towards a more fulfilling and meaningful professional life.
3. Seek Growth Opportunities and Job Crafting
Next, you can actively seek growth opportunities and engage in job crafting to combat the feeling of stagnation and disengagement. Job crafting involves proactively shaping your role to align with your strengths, interests, and values. Here’s how you can do it:
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Shift your mindset and find significance and meaning in your work by focusing on the impact you have on others. Ask yourself how your tasks contribute to the greater good or the well-being of your team and organization.
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Look for ways to make your job more interesting and engaging by modifying the tasks you perform. Seek out additional responsibilities, collaborate on projects that align with your interests, or propose new ideas that leverage your skills.
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Build stronger connections with your colleagues and seek opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. Volunteer for initiatives that align with your values or join groups and committees that allow you to contribute meaningfully.
By actively shaping your job and seeking growth opportunities, you can find fulfillment and reignite your passion for your work.
4. Seek Support and Foster Connections
Feeling isolated and disconnected from your community can also contribute to languishing. It’s important you seek support and foster connections to combat these feelings. Here are some ways you can do it:
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Find a mentor who can guide you in your career and provide support and advice along the way. A mentor can offer valuable insights, help you navigate challenges, and provide a fresh perspective on your career.
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Cultivate relationships with colleagues, both within and outside your organization. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage in networking opportunities to expand your network and foster connections.
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Openly communicate with your manager about your feelings of languishing and discuss potential opportunities for growth and development. Your manager may be able to provide additional support or help you identify new challenges and projects that align with your interests.
Remember, you are not alone in experiencing languishing. By seeking support and fostering connections, you can create a sense of community and find the encouragement and inspiration needed to overcome this career phenomenon.
5. Explore New Possibilities and Consider a Career Pivot
If you’ve tried the above strategies and still find yourself languishing, it may be time to explore new possibilities and consider a career pivot. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a path that aligns more closely with your passions and values. Here’s how you can approach a career pivot:
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Assess your skills and interests: Conduct a thorough assessment of your skills, interests, and strengths. Identify transferable skills that can be applied to new industries or roles that pique your curiosity.
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Research new career options: Explore different industries and job roles that align with your newfound clarity and interests. Conduct informational interviews, attend career fairs, and engage in online research to gain insights into potential career paths.
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Invest in further education or training: If necessary, consider acquiring additional education or training to enhance your qualifications for a new career. Look for relevant courses, certifications, or programs that can help you bridge the gap between your current skills and the requirements of your desired field.
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Network and seek guidance: Leverage your network and seek guidance from professionals in your desired field. Connect with industry experts, join professional groups, and attend events to expand your network and gain valuable insights.
Embarking on a career pivot can be both exciting and challenging. Take the time to plan and prepare for the transition, and remember that it’s never too late to pursue a career that brings you fulfillment and meaning.
Conclusion
Feeling stuck and unfulfilled in your career is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to define your professional life. By recognizing the symptoms of languishing and implementing strategies to overcome it, you can rediscover meaning and fulfillment at work. Set boundaries, reflect on your career path, seek growth opportunities, foster connections, and be open to exploring new possibilities. Remember, your career happiness is in your hands, and with determination and perseverance, you can overcome languishing and create a more fulfilling professional life.
Additional Information: If you’re struggling with languishing and would like support, consider seeking guidance from a career coach. They can provide personalized strategies and support to help you navigate this challenging phase in your career.