Work became a chore. It became something I needed to do rather than I wanted to do. I finished projects so I could take them off from my list. I stopped learning because I felt my work was not challenging anymore.

It took me awhile to even realize that I was burnt out at work.

Recognizing myself

Being uninspired for 8 hours a day inevitably touched my personal life. I wasn’t excited to live my life no matter how many activities I had that week. I needed to connect to my core self

Body

My back hurt. My knees were in pain. My shoulders didn’t feel right. My eyesight was getting worse. I got sick. My body was in pain no matter how much rest I got.

Mood

The pain on my body annoyed me so much that I let it affect my mood. I didn’t feel to do the things I usually do. I felt my life was boring.

Making changes

These changes in my body and mood told me that I was uncomfortable with myself and I needed a change. I thought I needed a break, a vacation, or a change into my life. But when a weekend came, I mostly felt tired and ended up not to do the things I wanted to do. I realized that the solution was not from the outside, but inside.

Prioritizing myself

“Do whatever the client wants”
“Don’t bother to make it nice, just get it done”

I did my work based on other’s standard and expectation but not mine. I found out that it was impossible to please the whole crowd, my managers, colleagues, clients, and myself. I could never be able to read everyone’s mind. I changed my priority from pleasing others to myself. I can’t please everyone, but I can always make one person happy – that person is me.

Changing attitude

I changed my attitude towards work to “I want to” rather than “I have to”. I can always say no to my projects if I want to. I can stay at home rather than go to work if I want to. I can always quit and work somewhere else if I want to. This attitude gives me a freedom. It motivates me and gives me creativity at work. I give more emotions and characters into my projects. I give them stories. I make them alive. This attitude makes work to be a part of my life rather than a burden.

I was lack of inspiration. I wasn’t proud of my work. Connecting to my core self was necessary. I can’t be motivated everyday at work, but I can always appreciate what I have. I am in less pain. My mood is much better. I embracing every moments my projects, place, people, and purpose I have at work.