Subtitle:
Using curiosity-driven initiatives to revitalize your work experience and create new opportunities
Core Idea:
Energizing side projects are self-initiated activities within your workplace that go beyond your formal job description, allowing you to explore interests, build new skills, and potentially reshape your role into something more fulfilling.
Key Principles:
- Curiosity-Driven Exploration:
- Following genuine interests rather than obligations leads to sustainable motivation and deeper engagement.
- Value-Added Initiative:
- The most successful side projects solve real problems for your organization while engaging your interests.
- Visibility and Connection:
- Projects that connect you with different departments or stakeholders build valuable relationships and expand your influence.
Why It Matters:
- Creates Intrinsic Motivation:
- Self-chosen projects tap into autonomy and purpose, two crucial elements of workplace satisfaction.
- Develops New Skills:
- Side projects often require learning and applying capabilities outside your current expertise.
- Opens Career Pathways:
- Many unique roles and opportunities begin as side projects that evolve into formal responsibilities.
How to Implement:
- Identify Intersections:
- Look for areas where your personal interests overlap with organizational needs or problems.
- Start Small and Informal:
- Begin with limited scope projects that don't require formal approval or significant resources.
- Build Momentum Through Results:
- Demonstrate tangible value before seeking to formalize or expand the initiative.
Example:
- Scenario:
- A medical doctor curious about hospital IT systems initiates conversations with the technical team during lunch breaks.
- Application:
- After learning about inefficiencies in the current system, she volunteers to help improve the user interface for medical staff.
- She applies her clinical knowledge to bridge the gap between IT specialists and healthcare practitioners.
- Result:
- The project's success leads to a part-time role in digital transformation while maintaining clinical work, creating a more balanced and engaging career path.
Connections:
- Related Concepts:
- Job Crafting: Side projects are a practical mechanism for reshaping your role
- The Cracked Door Principle: Side projects often reveal unexpected opportunities
- Broader Concepts:
- Career Capital: Side projects build valuable and rare skills that increase your workplace value
- Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose: Self-initiated projects directly enhance these motivational elements
References:
- Primary Source:
- Ali Abdaal's concept from discussion of improving job satisfaction
- Additional Resources:
- "Drive" by Daniel Pink (on autonomy and purpose in motivation)
- "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport (on developing career capital)
Tags:
#jobsatisfaction #careerplanning #sideprojects #initiative #professionaldevelopment #workplacecreativity
Connections:
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