Being your own boss is one of the main factors of finding meaning in your work. It makes you more invested and allows real innovation.<ul><li>You can ask for some flexibility in your work and build trust.</li><li>You can start a personal side project where you are in full control</li><li>You can redefine your work, and delve into areas you are passionate about.</li></ul>

Being in Control

A dead-end, boring job that is just a stressful routine, does nothing to add meaning in your work. Work needs to kindle your imagination, challenge you mentally and should have some obstacles to make you grow.

Challenge Adds Meaning

Three factors are important for meaningful work:
<ol>
<li>Autonomy: Being in control</li>
<li>Complexity: Learning new skills and overcoming challenges</li>
<li>Effort and reward: Being able to visualize your life goals in your work.</li></ol>

Factors For Meaningful Work

Add complexity in your work by challenging yourself, incorporating your passions, exploring new skillsets and being the best at what you do.

Add Some Complexity

If your efforts are not rewarded, your passion and energy can wear off.You can help see more rewards by tracking your efforts daily, weekly or monthly, and seeking feedback from your team.

Effort And Reward

<ul><li>Doing something that one loves tends to provide clarity, happiness and a sense of purpose.</li><li>People who find meaning in their work tend to be motivated, engaged, and empowered.</li><li>It increases job satisfaction, overall performance, and personal fulfillment.</li></ul>

Meaningful Work

In the book Malcolm Gladwell provides a unique blueprint to understanding the success of such monolithic figures as the Beatles and Bill Gates. In one section, Gladwell illustrates the life of a Jewish immigrant family who came to New York after fleeing the Nazis in Europe.

Effort And Reward

Similar ideas to Effort And Reward

How To Keep Track

Master lists

Keep a Journal