Feeling lost in your PR job? Archana Ramesh shares tips on getting your focus back

 20th February 2023    Opinion 

Recently I have come across many young PR professionals feeling lost and unfulfilled in career. 

Many of these young professionals today are struggling to find meaning and purpose in their daily routines. I too was sailing in the same boat a while ago. Sometime ago, I was personally feeling demotivated, had no purpose to follow and working like a machine doing daily chores. This was taking a toll on my mental health and professional health as well. I was not feeling fulfilled and satisfied in whatever I was achieving. There was hunger and the adrenaline rush to do more and achieve more.

That is when I came across a book that had answers to all my dilemma’s. 

The book by Simon Sinek ‘Start with Why’ beautifully stated, “Working on something meaningful makes all the hard work worthwhile. When you like what you are doing it does not feel like hard work because you are doing what you love and what you are passionate about.” That is when discovering the journey of Passion and Purpose began.

Discovering that purpose can be challenging but once you have identified it, you will be determined to lead. And trust me it is a deeply rewarding process that leads to greater fulfillment and satisfaction.

I am sharing some hacks that helped me find my purpose and could help in your journey.

Self- Awareness: So, as a first step begin the practice of self-awareness. Try setting aside a few minutes each day meditating to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. I started a practice about noting down my thoughts, feelings, and actions daily. 

Take time to reflect on the things that you enjoy doing and that bring you a sense of joy and fulfillment. 

Ask yourself what you are genuinely passionate about, what values and beliefs you hold, and what makes you feel contented and assured. This first step in discovering your purpose is to understand what drives you and this is extremely important.

Embrace Challenges: Take a self-challenge. Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, and do not be afraid to change direction if something is not working. Be open to new experiences and opportunities, and always be willing to learn and grow. The more you learn and grow, the better you will understand what you are passionate about. I took up activities that was totally different and new for me, which was not part of my daily routine. Each day is a new learning and a new experiment for me. For example, you can include learning a new language, taking on a physically challenging activity such as rock climbing, or setting a goal to complete a complex project at work. 

The key to self-challenge is to set goals that are challenging but achievable, and to have a plan in place to monitor progress and overcome obstacles along the way.

Cultivate a growth mindset: Approach changes with an open and optimistic attitude. 

Focus on the potential benefits of the change, and see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. 

Avoid getting stuck in rigid thinking patterns, and remain open to new possibilities. Build your resilience by engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family. You may also seek help from mentors and support groups.

Atomic Habits, Remarkable Results: 

World-renowned habits expert James Clear in his books titled Atomic Habits, stated “Success is the product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations.” 

People say when you want to change your life, you need to set big goals. But that is not true always. James Clear has discovered a simpler system for transforming your life. He knows that lasting change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early. He calls them atomic habits. These tiny changes will help you get 1 percent better every day. Be as specific as possible, and try to focus on one habit at a time. Identify the specific steps you will take to change the habit. This might involve replacing the old habit with a new behavior, or gradually reducing the frequency of the old behavior. Begin with small, manageable changes that you can stick to. This will help build momentum and increase your confidence. Remember to stay motivated. Focus on the benefits of changing the habit, and remind yourself of why you want to make the change.

Discovering your purpose can be a life-changing journey. Start by having specific, achievable goals that will give you direction and help you measure your progress as you work towards discovering your passion and purpose. Remember that it is a journey, not a destination. Everyone's journey to finding their passion and purpose is unique, so be patient with yourself, stay curious and open-minded, and be willing to explore different paths and keep challenging yourself every day, until you find what feels right for you.

Archana Ramesh - Senior Vice President, Passion 4 Communications