Map of Meaning International’s Post

From the time we’re little, many of us are told that our careers should have a “purpose”. But a growing body of evidence suggests “purpose” isn’t as important as “meaning”. By re-evaluating the things you’re good at and enjoy, you can reframe your professional goals and achieve a healthier, more positive outlook. This article from Harvard Business Review provides step-by-step instructions for getting started. By focusing on “meaning” instead of “purpose”, “you may just find the joy at work you’re looking for,” author Stephen Friedman concludes. Source: https://hubs.li/Q02CHhKZ0 #ProfessionalDevelopment #Growth #CareerTips #Purpose #Meaning #CareerAdvice #PurposeDrivenCareer #CareerGrowth

💫Exploring Meaning in Work and Beyond While writing my thesis, I had the opportunity to explore how organizational behavior and psychology shape our work environments. This journey offered me valuable insights into what gives work its meaning and how individuals find fulfillment: 1️⃣ Everyone seeks a unique purpose in their work. The meaning we derive from work is deeply personal and varies from one person to another. 2️⃣ Workplaces offer different kinds of meaning. This is influenced by factors like culture, leadership style, and interpersonal relationships. 3️⃣ Perception plays a key role (even if they are subjective). How employees perceive their environment, leaders, and colleagues significantly impacts their engagement and actions. One of my observations during my research was how many scientists pursued hobbies or activities outside their professional roles (they also seemed to be the most enthusiastic too) —ranging from art history classes and oratory courses to mastering AI or committing to sports. These activities fulfilled psychological needs that weren’t entirely addressed by their jobs, such as autonomy, creativity, or self-expression. This aligns with the idea that job satisfaction isn’t solely tied to work itself but also to the freedom and agency individuals have to shape their lives outside of work. Engaging in unrelated interests enriches perspectives and brings a sense of balance, making both personal and professional lives more fulfilling. Another aspect was the difference in communication styles between German and Spanish employees. Spanish employees take a relational approach, focusing on building personal connections as a foundation for collaboration. In contrast, German communication tends to be more direct and precise, prioritizing clarity and straightforwardness over emotional framing. This journey reinforced for me the power of purpose, connection, and curiosity. Whether in leadership, teamwork, or personal growth, the better we understand ourselves and others, the more meaningful our impact can be. To anyone hesitating to start something new—a degree, a career shift, or even a hobby—this is your sign: It’s never too late to pursue what truly matters to you and you do not have to wait until 2025 to start. ✨ Here’s to lifelong learning, personal growth, and chasing dreams, wherever they may lead us! #LifelongLearning #PersonalGrowth #OrganizationalBehavior #Leadership #Purpose #CulturalNuances #EuropeanMolecularBiologyLaboratory

🌟 Unlocking Your Purpose: The Science of Meaningful Work That Transforms Careers 🚀 Are you feeling stuck in your professional journey? Understanding the science of purpose might just be the game-changer you need! Key Insights: Purpose isn't just a buzzword – it's a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. Recent research reveals that having a clear sense of purpose can dramatically improve your work performance, mental health, and overall satisfaction. 🧠 The Neuroscience of Purpose: - Purposeful activities trigger the brain's reward system - Releases dopamine, boosting motivation - Improves emotional regulation - Enhances self-awareness 💡 What Makes Work Meaningful? 1. Alignment with personal values 2. Sense of autonomy 3. Positive workplace relationships Practical Strategies to Discover Your Purpose: - Deep self-reflection - Exploring diverse career paths - Embracing a growth mindset - Seeking roles that resonate with your core beliefs Pro Tip: Purpose isn't found overnight. It's a journey of continuous exploration and personal development. 🔥 Call to Action: Start your purpose journey today! Reflect on what truly motivates you and take one small step towards aligning your work with your passions. Want to dive deeper? Drop a comment or share your purpose story! 💬 #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #MeaningfulWork #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalPurpose #WorkplaceMindset #CareerTips

The article "How Will You Measure Your Life?" by Clayton M. Christensen, published in *Harvard Business Review* (HBR), offers a profound reflection on finding purpose and fulfillment, both in professional and personal life. Christensen, a renowned business thinker, encourages readers to apply business theories to their personal lives, urging them to think critically about how they allocate their time, talent, and energy. Further he resonates deeply with readers because it challenges the conventional metrics of success, like wealth and career achievements. Instead, it promotes a more holistic view, suggesting that fulfillment comes from living a life aligned with one’s values and purpose. However, the application of business theories to personal life, while insightful, might not resonate with everyone, particularly those who don't subscribe to a business-centric worldview. The article is also somewhat idealistic, assuming that individuals have the luxury of choosing how they allocate their time and resources. In reality, many people face constraints—financial, social, or otherwise—that limit their ability to pursue this kind of opportunities. #worklifebalance #jobsatisfaction #leadership #wellness https://lnkd.in/gs45mFmD

Do you have any positive connotations attached to the word ‘Failure’? I don’t, and that’s why I decided to ditch it for good last year. I’ve had so many events happen in my life that could be classed as failures. A few examples come to mind; the first where I nearly failed my Architecture degree and ended up scraping through. Another is choosing not to pursue a Directorship, even though I knew I was 100% capable of doing the job. Don’t get me wrong, those situations were tough to navigate. And there wasn’t a ‘light switch’ moment overnight where I felt better about them. But the more I reflected, the more I realised that they’d led me to better things. My close call with a pass in Architecture led me to urban design: a job I loved for years. Passing up a directorship position led me to coaching; I’ve now been able to cultivate a business based on my passion to support women in their careers, whilst realising my version of work life balance. So were both events failures, or actually some of my biggest successes? I’d argue the latter… I’d really encourage you to also ditch the word ‘Failure’ from your mental and verbal dictionary, and notice how much better you feel for it. Why not try these replacements... ✨I’ve learnt ✨I’ve shown up for myself ✨I’ve tried my best ✨I’ve grown Say these words out loud and notice how they are so much more positive and empowering! Instead of seeing a situation where you might have ‘failed’, you’re encouraging your mind to see this from a positive perspective - which is all about learning. If you want 3 exercises to help you ditch your fear of failure for good, just pop me a DM! Here’s to learning and growing, NOT failing ✨ #loveyourjob #bekindtoyourself #mindset

Here's my 2024 LinkedIn Rewind, by Coauthor: 2024 taught me that organisational psychology isn't just about understanding workplace dynamics—it's about creating meaningful change through research and practical application!✨ My transition from Cyprus to Manchester marked the beginning of an incredible journey exploring how personality traits and leadership styles shape workplace innovation. Each experience reinforced why I chose this path: Key Milestones that shaped my journey: • Graduated from the MSc in Organisational Psychology at Manchester • Explored workplace innovation, personality traits and leadership styles through my dissertation • Served as Lead Student Representative • Expanded professional horizons through IEUK 2024 and targeted workshops • Built meaningful connections across psychology and business sectors Two moments of 2024 that were a significant addition to my key milestones: "IEUK 2024 with Bright Network Experience" From mastering personal branding to completing audit simulations, every day brought new insights into connecting psychology with business practice. https://lnkd.in/ezbZivqZ "Transform Your Future Workshop" Learning that self-awareness and effective influencing are crucial for driving organizational change. https://lnkd.in/eFyWm9rG Looking ahead to 2025: I’m excited to leverage my MSc expertise in real-world settings, dedicated to understanding clients’ needs and delivering innovative, optimal solutions that drive success. Ready to make a meaningful impact and help clients achieve their goals!🌟 To everyone who participated in my research, shared insights, or offered guidance—your contributions are shaping how we understand workplace dynamics. The intersection of psychology and organisational success is where the magic happens! #OrganisationalPsychology #ProfessionalDevelopment #Research -- Get your 2024 LinkedIn Rewind! Go to https://lnkd.in/ebFmZe5k in your browser.

🌟 Aligning Professional Goals with Personal Values 🌟 In today’s fast-paced world, finding harmony between our careers and personal values is essential. When our professional goals align with what we truly believe in, work becomes more than just a job—it transforms into a fulfilling journey. Here’s why this alignment is crucial: 1. Aligning your goals with your values brings meaning to your daily tasks. It fuels your motivation and empowers you to tackle challenges with passion. 2. Working in a way that resonates with your core beliefs allows you to remain true to yourself, fostering genuine connections with colleagues, clients, and peers. 3. Values-driven goals create a sustainable source of inspiration, guiding you even in tough times and leading to long-term satisfaction. 4. When your work reflects your values, you contribute to a greater cause, leaving a meaningful footprint and inspiring others along the way. Let your career be a reflection of who you are and the change you wish to see in the world. Embrace the journey where professional success meets personal growth! 🌟✨ 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴? 🤔 #Alignment #PurposefulWork #Authenticity #ValuesDriven #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerSuccess

From business leaders to athletes to everyday employees, passion is often cited as a key ingredient in the success of high achievers. But passion can come with some pitfalls. Research by Assistant Professor Erica Bailey, Ph.D. shows that passion is often associated with overconfidence and can lead to burnout, and offers suggestions for managers on working with passionate people. #BerkeleyHaas #UCBerkeley #research https://lnkd.in/gxVJde5x

Did you know that in just 4 weeks you can take great steps to transform your life? In the dynamic environment where I conduct #coaching sessions, many women face specific challenges that can affect their growth and professional development. I want to take a moment to reflect on some of these issues and how they can be overcome with the right support and strategic approach. 🔊 Self-Confidence: Lack of confidence is a major obstacle. Recognize your value and believe in your abilities. 🔊Asking for Help: We are not alone. Build a support network and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. 🔊Time Management and Prioritization: Manage your time and set clear priorities to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 🔊Networking and Balance: Networking is vital. Don't be afraid to seek valuable connections, even if balancing it with other responsibilities seems difficult. 🔊Negotiation: Determine your worth and don't be afraid to ask for what you deserve. Reflect on your contribution to the business. 🔊Learning New Things: Stay updated and learn new skills to keep growing. 🔊Taking Risks: Stepping out of your comfort zone is key. Take calculated risks to reach new heights. Can you imagine achieving significant change in just one month? It’s not a dream, it’s a reality for many of my clients. If you also want to achieve your goals, gain confidence, and transform your life in just 4 weeks, write to me. I am here to help you discover your true potential. Together, we can overcome these challenges and reach new heights. Don’t hesitate to contact me to start this transformation journey. #WomenEmpowerment #ProfessionalDevelopment #Networking #Negotiation #Confidence #TimeManagement #Learning #TakingRisks

I've worked in education and a corporate setting. In both contexts there was a tendency to get swept up in the momentum of the day-to-day, leaving little time for reflection. This is how life ends up happening to you, rather than you feeling like you have any control over it. Feelings of efficacy in work help to build wellbeing, so it is vital that we have a sense of autonomy in our jobs. We need to move forward with intention so that we can put our energy into activities that matter. Professional progression is like an ascending spiral - the more that we reflect on what is happening at work, the more aspects we identify for change, and the more actions we can take to make that change happen. After all, we are the change-makers in our own lives! Take a break to pause and reflect on where you are currently. Create a space for yourself, and consider the following: 💡 Where are you currently in your work and does this align to where you want to be? 💡 What are your values? Does your role support what matters to you? Do you need to change anything to feel more fulfilled at work? 💡 Where next? What does progression look like for you? What do you need to help you to get there? 💡 What actions can you take to move forward in a more purposeful way? 💡 What training or resources could you access to help you on your path? #reflectivepractice #professionalautonomy #professionalreflection #changemaker #efficacy #careers #growth #professionaldevelopment #purpose #settingintentions #goals