Creating Fulfillment: Finding Purpose and Motivation in Your Work

Work occupies a huge part of our lives, so it’s natural to crave purpose, meaning, and even excitement. Yet, deadlines, tasks, and stress can make it feel like something we just 'get through.' But here’s the truth: finding meaning—even in small ways—can transform your daily approach and impact everything from productivity to happiness. Over my 18 years in the corporate world, I learned that fulfillment at work isn’t something that simply appears—it’s something we actively create.

“When we shift from ‘just a job’ to ‘this work is helping me create the life I want,’ work becomes a source of purpose and motivation.”

If your work isn’t something you wake up excited about, consider this question: What can my work enable in my life that excites me? When you shift your perspective from 'this is just a job' to 'this work is helping me create the life I want,' you tap into a powerful source of motivation. Let’s explore how you can start finding more meaning in your daily work, because meaningful work doesn’t happen by chance—it’s something we create by the choices we make and the perspective we bring to each role. Let me share about my experience to illustrate.

Crafting Purpose in My Work: Autonomy, Growth, and Service

I spent my entire corporate career in the beauty industry, where I found opportunities to grow not just in my career but also in my sense of purpose. As someone who’d been using make-up since age 13, it wasn’t hard to enjoy the work itself. But what truly made it fulfilling were the evolving roles, the autonomy I was given, and the opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Early on, as a young product manager in the Netherlands, I was entrusted with my own clients and responsible for leading a full 360-degree marketing campaign—from strategy and budget management to forecasting, press launches, visual merchandising, and collaborating with the sales team. In the Netherlands, a strong culture of autonomy meant I met with my direct manager just once a week, while the rest of the time, I was trusted to manage my work independently. This combination of trust and independence taught me to own my results, think critically, and take bold steps—even if it meant making mistakes. And when I had questions or needed guidance, my managers were always there to provide support.

“Fulfillment at work comes from serving others and making an impact.”

Later in Asia, stepping into a General Manager role pushed me completely out of my comfort zone but also brought even deeper meaning to my work. I built a team nearly from scratch, took on full P&L responsibility, launched a new makeup brand, and expanded a leading luxury brand in the country. It was tough—navigating new challenges and responsibilities stretched me in ways I hadn’t imagined—but that growth was what made it so fulfilling. The steep learning curve forced me to develop patience, adaptability, and strategic thinking—all of which shaped the leader I am today. This role wasn’t just about business; it was about supporting my team, nurturing their growth, and leading by example. I came to value my team deeply; they taught me more than they probably realized through their resilience, perspectives, and commitment. That’s when I understood that true excitement in work comes not just from embracing responsibility, but from serving others, learning constantly, and making a lasting impact.

A Mindset Shift Toward Purpose

There’s a big difference between work that feels like a task list and work that feels purposeful. When we find meaning in what we do, we’re more motivated, resilient, and engaged. Purposeful work connects us to our goals, strengthens relationships, and makes challenges feel worthwhile. Even if your current role doesn’t align perfectly with your dreams, you can still find meaning by shifting your mindset.

As Arthur Brooks suggests, purpose isn’t found—it’s created by seeing the bigger picture. Ask yourself: What does this work make possible for me? Perhaps it provides financial stability, builds new skills, or opens doors to leadership. Viewing your job as a step toward your future—and as an expression of who you are—can turn frustration into motivation, helping you grow and get closer to your goals.

“Finding meaning in work is a daily practice, built from small, intentional actions that connect us to something bigger.”

Daily Practices to Create Meaning

Discovering meaning in your work doesn’t happen overnight—it’s something you cultivate each day. Purposeful work comes from consistently showing up with intention and focusing on service, growth, and excellence in the present moment. Here are some simple but powerful actions you can take each day to feel more connected to what you do:

1. Set Personal Growth Goals to Build Skills Over Time: Instead of focusing only on the end goals of a project, try setting small, personal goals that help you grow within each task. Aim to develop specific skills gradually, like improving your communication, practicing patience, or learning to manage new responsibilities. By breaking growth into small personal steps, you’ll make each day feel purposeful and see progress in ways that build confidence over time.
2. Focus on Helping Others: Shifting your attention toward serving your team and supporting colleagues can bring a surprising amount of satisfaction. Acts of kindness, like offering to help a peer, resolving conflicts with compassion, or simply checking in on team members, can create a positive atmosphere and deepen your connection to the work you do.
3. Master Prioritization: Organize and manage tasks thoughtfully to reduce last-minute stress and overwhelm—for yourself and everyone involved. Prioritization isn’t just about getting things done; it allows you to focus on impactful work and create room for high-quality results. By setting a steady, reliable pace, you build trust, enhance productivity, and make a meaningful impact that others can rely on and appreciate.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating small accomplishments can give you a sense of progress and reinforce that your efforts matter. Whether it’s finishing a project ahead of schedule or finding a creative solution to a problem, small wins can help make each day rewarding.

When you find meaning in your work, you’re not just making the present more enjoyable—you’re also building a foundation for your future. People who cultivate purpose in what they do become more resilient, open to challenges, and proactive in seizing opportunities. As Brendon Burchard reminds us, purpose isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you show up each day with intention and focus.

Discovering purpose in your current role can lead to surprising rewards: new skills, promotions, meaningful relationships, and, most importantly, a mindset that prepares you for any future path. Even if this isn’t your dream job, viewing it as a stepping stone helps you stay motivated and engaged.

Purposeful work doesn’t happen by chance—it’s created through daily intentions and the willingness to see each day as part of a larger vision. By making small but meaningful shifts—prioritizing personal growth, supporting others, and managing your time with care—you can turn any role into something fulfilling.

When you approach work with intention, it not only elevates your career but also enriches your life. Every day is a chance to take one small step toward a more meaningful career and life. Start today by identifying one action that excites or inspires you, and see how it changes your perspective.

Rooting for you!