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I've lost the energy and enthusiasm for my work. There's nothing really wrong, except the challenge and excitement seem to be gone. I wonder if it's time to move on.

Maybe it's not time to move on. Maybe it's time to look at how to breathe life back into your work—how to give it some CPR (Career Path Resuscitation).

There's a good chance that you can enhance and energize your work, right where you are. And, if you like most aspects of the work (the people, your boss, the tasks you perform), it's definitely worth a try. Enrichment means finding a way to get the growth, challenge, or renewal you seek without leaving your current job. Changing what you do (content) or how you do it (process) is the key.

Don't resign yourself to "ho-hum" work. And don't wait for your boss or someone else in the organization to put the spark back in your work. They may not even know you've lost it. Or they may not know what to do about it. Take charge and do something now to energize your work.

Job Judo—Go with the Energy

In judo, you use the momentum of the other person to increase your own energy and effectiveness. You build on the energy coming your way. Similarly, in job judo, the key is to build on the energy that comes from doing what you love. First, determine what really gives you energy. Is it:

using your current skills in new settings?

learning new skills and applying them?

having greater visibility, challenge, or reward?

getting to do more things that reflect your values?

something else?

Pay attention to your energy level. Be aware of when it wanes and when it surges. Think about what causes the difference.

I had zero interest in another round of construction project scheduling and budgeting. But then I saw a demonstration of a sophisticated computer program that schedules and budgets for you if you just plug in numbers. Intrigued, I shared my excitement with my boss and explained that it would free me up for more important tasks. He agreed to send me to training. Now I spend half my time trouble- shooting on-site, instead of working with the numbers. This is far more interesting—I'm excited again.

Energy Matching

Think about what energizes you. Then find a place to invest that energy. Some examples appear in the following chart.

Try job judo. You might be surprised at the enrichment opportunities you can find, right in your own backyard.

see table

I thrive on variety—in life and at work. If I've been doing the same thing in the same way for six months, I'm ready for a change. Instead of leaving the organization this time, I decided to talk with my boss about ways to spice up my work. He has supported me in job rotation with several people on the team. We all feel challenged and interested as we learn new things. And we can serve as backup for each other any time that it's needed. Everyone wins.

Learning Assignments—Give Yourself One

Think back to a time when you felt the most energized about your work. What were you doing? Among other things, most people would say they were learning. Is that true for you? If so, you might enrich your work by giving yourself a learning assignment.

Identify a skill (or trait) that is not your strength and one that you want to learn (a "development" opportunity). Now, create an on-the-job learning assignment for the purpose of developing that new skill (or trait). Here's an example:

You want to become a better negotiator. Your learning assignment could include steps toward developing the new skill:

Conscious observation: Find an expert negotiator you could observe. Then find another (for comparison). Take notes as you observe. What did they do well? How were they similar or different in their negotiating style? Chat with both negotiators after the observation period. Discuss what worked best and why. What would they do differently next time? (If you can't find someone to observe, watch a great video on negotiating.)

Selected participation: Take a well-defined, limited role in a negotiation. Partner with an expert who will let you try out the new skill but is there to help when you stumble. The goal is to get your feet wet without feeling overwhelmed. You could, for example, prepare the opening remarks in a negotiation with a vendor, then watch your partner work her magic. When it's over, ask for specific feedback about your strengths and weaknesses.

Key responsibility: After completing steps one and two, take primary responsibility for a negotiation. You might "up the ante" by choosing one that is highly visible. For example, you might lead the negotiation with a vendor in front of your team. Assign skilled negotiators as observers. They will take notes as you work your magic. Meet with them immediately after the negotiation to get feedback.

After this three-step process, you'll be amazed at your growing expertise in the new skill or trait. Keep practicing as you strive for excellence. And notice how energized you feel throughout this process.

Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it.

—Ella Williams

REMEMBER: You can also stretch and enrich your work by:

using your existing skills in new ways and settings;

using some skills more and others less;

refreshing skills you haven't had a chance to use in a while.

Sell It Up

If you have an enrichment idea you truly want to try, you may need to sell it to your manager. Prepare yourself by answering the following questions:

What's in it for me?

How will it increase my marketability in my profession?

How will it increase my reputation as a specialist or generalist?

How will it help me gain more confidence and competence?

What's in it for my work group?

How will it help me work more effectively with my current team?

How will it increase/enhance my contribution to my group or department?

How does it build new relationships or extend my network?

What's in it for my boss or the organization?

How will it increase my value to the boss or organization?

How does it contribute to current organizational mission, strategy, or goals?

How does it address a current relevant business need?

It's hard for a boss to resist a request for enrichment, especially one that is well thought out and beneficial to your work group, organization, or your own satisfaction and commitment.

You might think you have to move to another position or another organization to feel energized about your work again. You don't. In today's work environment there is almost always something new to learn, another approach to try, or a way to rekindle enthusiasm. Don't wait for someone to hand you an exciting project or something new to learn. Find a way to enrich your own work, negotiate for it, and then do it.

Seen on James Street, Scranton, PA.