term perspective , having a bad day may seem like no big deal . But over time , if bad days outnumber good ones , any
happiness you feel will be fleeting , a short burst rebooting to a baseline of dread the next morning .
Finding direction and purpose
Purpose , mission , and direction are words loaded with meaning . Some people find fulfillment in work ; others find it in family or relationships . Some may have talents that fuel passions or hobbies that have nothing to do with work or family . What do they all have in common ? They engage in activities that revitalize and energize them — activities that fill them with excitement , spike their
creativity , or inspire them .
Finding joy in your work may seem ideal , but it ' s not the only way to achieve direction and purpose . Consider these examples from patients I have worked with .
• A lawyer who plays piano with his jazz band on weekends confesses , “ Every gig is a jolt of adrenaline . I think of new chord progressions while standing on the subway platform . Sometimes I invite clients to come to hear my band . It ’ s been good for business .”
• A teacher feeling
burnout who returned to school to get a degree in social work and transitioned to being a guidance counselor . “ It ’ s such a wonderful feeling ; after all these years teaching , suddenly I feel born again ," she says . " I love my new job .”
• A psychotherapist who wrote a play about the challenges of being a therapist . After leaving his office , he dashes off to rehearsals , exhilarated as he works with the actors and the director . “ Even when I was exhausted , seeing my play produced and performed was a thrill that I will never forget ." ( See "
New Play Explores Therapist Burnout ")
What do they all have in common ? They committed to a path of ongoing personal growth . Rather than fall victim to burnout or routine , they found something new to inspire and awaken them . Not only did they feel happier , but they also started each day with more energy and drive . They didn ’ t wait for the right time ; they created it .
Getting started
Here are some prompts to get you started . Think of the following questions and activities as jumping-off points for
mindful consideration .
1 Name three activities that you love , and that rejuvenate , inspire , and energize you .