Work: Are You Bored?

There’s a parenting practice where if your child complains that they’re bored, you come back with “If you have an imagination, there’s no such thing as being bored.”

And the parent sends the kid off to use their imagination and challenges them to create something to do.

What about you?

The adult version of bored, especially at work, speaks volumes about letting yourself be on autopilot for way too long and snuffing out any thoughts about a way out of what you’re doing now. This doesn’t apply to corporately employed job holders alone. It also applies to business owners and entrepreneurs who feel stymie by what they’ve created, even if it’s highly successful.

Unsettled and antsy? Or has it turned into depression?

Here’s what to do if you’re BORED.

Be aware

Feelings of angst, frustration, lethargy and sometimes despair can indicate that you have lost interest and satisfaction in your work.

Overthrow the outdated

This is a huge wake up call. It’s time to UPLEVEL. Gain new skills, admit it’s time for a new job and if you’re an entrepreneur give yourself a business challenge. It might be removing yourself more from your business, dropping the bottom third of your clientele, or entering a new market for your services.

Realize you’ve grown

It is possible to outgrow a job or career. You can coast and die inside, reinvent your work where you are or start the process of figuring out what is next. CLEARLY, any of these choices are easier said than done, but in my experience, those are the choices at hand.

Expect success

When boredom strikes, it’s a sign that you are not living up to your potential. You’re likely scared of making a move or trying something new, so you let that uncertainty fester into boredom and ennui. Although it may be hard to imagine, make moves to take that growth step and do so expecting success. You don’t have to let go of your sure-thing yet but start moving. Eventually, you’ll have no choice but to let go of the old (or at least the form it’s currently in).

I remember when someone I was coaching had been developing a side hustle through our work. There came a point where she resented her job because it was in the way of all the activities she wanted to be doing in her new business. That was the point at which we knew it was time for the leap. The side hustle wasn’t paying all the bills yet, but it needed all the time, effort and energy the job was taking to take it the last mile to full success.

She succeeded.

Delete doubt

Doubt. Fear. Whatever you want to call It. It’ll be there but don’t let it stop you.

Never stop moving forward. Keep moving the needle on your next reach. Boredom will dissipate. Energy will return. Feeling alive again will be worth beating the doubt.

If you have an imagination, you can’t be bored. Use your imagination to ‘Act As IF’ it’s already a done deal…THAT will beat back boredom, for sure.