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Meaning, Purpose & Direction

An overall sense of whether we are leading a ‘good and full life’ which holds meaning and purpose for us

Self-Coaching Guide: Meaning, Purpose & Direction at Work

I make time to reflect on what’s going well for me in my work
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Positive Psychology: Reflecting on positive aspects can boost mood and overall wellbeing. Studies show that positive reflection can increase happiness and reduce depression.
    • Strengths-Based Approach: Focusing on strengths and successes can enhance self-efficacy and motivation. Research indicates that leveraging strengths leads to higher performance and job satisfaction.
    • Mindfulness: Regular reflection can foster a more constructive and appreciative mindset. Mindfulness practices are linked to improved emotional regulation and mental health.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What are the positive aspects of your work that you often overlook?
    • How can you make time regularly to reflect on these positives?
    • What strengths have you demonstrated in your recent work?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Schedule a monthly “coffee with yourself” to reflect on your achievements.
    • Keep a journal to note down positive experiences and successes at work.
When work is not going so well, I make time to reflect and take responsibility for changing my situation or reactions
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Personal Agency: Taking responsibility can empower you to make positive changes. A sense of control is crucial for mental health and resilience.
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenging unhelpful thoughts can improve mental health. CBT techniques are effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
    • Resilience: Developing adaptive responses to challenges can enhance resilience. Resilience is associated with better coping strategies and overall wellbeing.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • How do you typically react when work isn’t going well?
    • What alternative reactions could be more helpful?
    • What choices do you have to improve your situation, or how you respond to it?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
    • Reflect on your choices and take proactive steps to improve your situation.
I feel there is not much point to my work*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Existential Psychology: Finding meaning in work is crucial for overall life satisfaction. Viktor Frankl’s work highlights the importance of meaning for psychological health.
    • Motivation Theory: Meaningful work can enhance motivation and engagement. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory emphasizes the role of meaningful work in job satisfaction.
    • Self-Determination Theory: Autonomy and purpose are key to intrinsic motivation. Deci and Ryan’s theory underscores the importance of these elements for wellbeing.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What aspects of your work feel meaningless to you?
    • How might others perceive the value of your work?
    • What changes could make your work feel more meaningful?

 Action Strategies:

    • Revisit what gives you meaning and purpose in your role.
    • Identify and pursue activities that align with your values and interests.
I feel my personal values align well with those of the organisation I work in
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Dignity of Work: Feeling that your work is valuable is essential for self-respect and dignity. The concept of “dignity of work” emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s contributions.
    • Self-Worth: Recognizing your contributions can boost self-esteem and job satisfaction. Positive feedback and recognition are key to maintaining high self-worth.
    • Feedback: Seeking and reflecting on feedback can enhance your sense of making a difference. Constructive feedback helps in personal and professional growth.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • Do you feel your work is valuable? Why or why not?
    • How do others perceive your contributions?
    • What feedback have you received about your work?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Articulate your personal value proposition for your role.
    • Seek regular feedback and reflect on how it impacts your sense of making a difference.
I feel my work contribution is valuable and makes a difference

Articulate your personal value proposition for your role. If you are to excel, write down how what you will bring to your organisation makes a difference or adds value to your customers, colleagues and the company?

Seek feedback on your contribution at work and then reflect on how this impacts your overall sense of ‘making a difference’ – to others, to the organisation, to your clients/customers.

I have made compromises in my career because of factors in my personal life*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Acceptance: Acknowledging and accepting compromises can reduce resentment. Acceptance is a key component of psychological flexibility.
    • Life Balance: Balancing career and personal life is crucial for overall wellbeing. Work-life balance is linked to lower stress and higher life satisfaction.
    • Values Alignment: Ensuring compromises align with your values can enhance satisfaction. Value alignment is important for long-term career satisfaction.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What compromises have you made in your career, and what are their costs?
    • How do these compromises align with your values?
    • Can you foresee a time when your career might take precedence again?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect deeply on your career compromises and their impact.
    • Re-prioritize your goals to align with your current life stage and values.
My career is central to my sense of identity
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Identity Theory: Career identity is a significant part of overall identity for many professionals. Identity theory explores how roles and identities shape behaviour.
    • Fulfilment: A strong career identity can provide meaning and fulfilment. Career fulfilment is linked to higher job satisfaction and life satisfaction.
    • Balance: Balancing career identity with other aspects of life is crucial for holistic wellbeing. A balanced identity contributes to overall mental health.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • How central is your career to your sense of identity?
    • What other aspects of your identity are important to you?
    • How would you like your career identity to evolve?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on your career identity and its importance to you.
    • Explore other aspects of your identity and how they contribute to your overall sense of self.
I think I am in the wrong job for me*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Job Satisfaction: A good job fit is crucial for job satisfaction and performance. Job fit is associated with higher engagement and productivity.
    • Self-Worth: Feeling that your job suits you can enhance self-worth and identity. Job fit contributes to a positive self-concept.
    • Career Development: Assessing job fit can guide career development and growth. Understanding job fit helps in making informed career decisions.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What makes you feel that your job may not be the right fit?
    • Are the issues intrinsic to the job or circumstantial?
    • What changes could improve your job fit?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on your job fit and identify areas for improvement.
    • Consider seeking a role that better aligns with your strengths and values.
I derive a sense of meaning and purpose from my work
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Purpose: Finding purpose in work is essential for motivation and engagement. Purpose-driven work leads to higher job satisfaction.
    • Meaning: Meaningful work can enhance overall life satisfaction. Meaning in work is linked to better mental health and wellbeing.
    • Autonomy: Having a sense of purpose can increase autonomy and intrinsic motivation. Autonomy is a key factor in job satisfaction.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What is missing in your current role that affects your sense of meaning and purpose?
    • How does this compare with previous roles?
    • What changes could enhance the meaning and purpose of your work?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Explore opportunities within your current role to find more meaning.
    • Consider discussing your career goals with your manager to find a better fit.
I have a clear direction and vision for how I would like my career to evolve
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Future Planning: Having a clear career direction can provide motivation and focus. Future planning is linked to higher career satisfaction.
    • Goal Setting: Setting career goals can enhance satisfaction and achievement. Goal setting theory emphasizes the importance of clear, attainable goals.
    • Self-Determination: A clear vision can increase autonomy and self-determination. Self-determination theory highlights the role of autonomy in motivation.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What is your vision for your career in the next 5-10 years?
    • What will have to happen for you to feel satisfied with your career progression?
    • How can you align your current actions with your long-term career goals?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Set aside regular time to reflect on your career direction and goals.
    • Envision different scenarios and plan steps to achieve your desired career outcomes.
I feel able to shape my future at work
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Career Path: Having a clear career path and opportunities for growth can enhance job satisfaction.
    • Personal Agency: Feeling able to shape your future can increase motivation and a sense of control.
    • Locus of Control: Understanding your influence over your career can impact your overall outlook and efficacy.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What factors are influencing your ability to shape your future at work?
    • How assertive are you in communicating your career aspirations?
    • Do you tend to blame external factors for your career progression, or do you take personal responsibility?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on your career path and identify opportunities for growth and development.
    • Communicate your aspirations clearly with your manager and seek feedback.
    • Develop new skills and seek out mentoring or coaching opportunities to enhance your career prospects.
I make time to reflect on what’s going well for me in my work
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Positive Psychology: Reflecting on positive aspects can boost mood and overall wellbeing. Studies show that positive reflection can increase happiness and reduce depression.
    • Strengths-Based Approach: Focusing on strengths and successes can enhance self-efficacy and motivation. Research indicates that leveraging strengths leads to higher performance and job satisfaction.
    • Mindfulness: Regular reflection can foster a more constructive and appreciative mindset. Mindfulness practices are linked to improved emotional regulation and mental health.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What are the positive aspects of your work that you often overlook?
    • How can you make time regularly to reflect on these positives?
    • What strengths have you demonstrated in your recent work?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Schedule a monthly “coffee with yourself” to reflect on your achievements.
    • Keep a journal to note down positive experiences and successes at work.
When work is not going so well, I make time to reflect and take responsibility for changing my situation or reactions
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Personal Agency: Taking responsibility can empower you to make positive changes. A sense of control is crucial for mental health and resilience.
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenging unhelpful thoughts can improve mental health. CBT techniques are effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
    • Resilience: Developing adaptive responses to challenges can enhance resilience. Resilience is associated with better coping strategies and overall wellbeing.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • How do you typically react when work isn’t going well?
    • What alternative reactions could be more helpful?
    • What choices do you have to improve your situation, or how you respond to it?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
    • Reflect on your choices and take proactive steps to improve your situation.
I feel there is not much point to my work*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Existential Psychology: Finding meaning in work is crucial for overall life satisfaction. Viktor Frankl’s work highlights the importance of meaning for psychological health.
    • Motivation Theory: Meaningful work can enhance motivation and engagement. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory emphasizes the role of meaningful work in job satisfaction.
    • Self-Determination Theory: Autonomy and purpose are key to intrinsic motivation. Deci and Ryan’s theory underscores the importance of these elements for wellbeing.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What aspects of your work feel meaningless to you?
    • How might others perceive the value of your work?
    • What changes could make your work feel more meaningful?

 Action Strategies:

    • Revisit what gives you meaning and purpose in your role.
    • Identify and pursue activities that align with your values and interests.
I feel my personal values align well with those of the organisation I work in
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Dignity of Work: Feeling that your work is valuable is essential for self-respect and dignity. The concept of “dignity of work” emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s contributions.
    • Self-Worth: Recognizing your contributions can boost self-esteem and job satisfaction. Positive feedback and recognition are key to maintaining high self-worth.
    • Feedback: Seeking and reflecting on feedback can enhance your sense of making a difference. Constructive feedback helps in personal and professional growth.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • Do you feel your work is valuable? Why or why not?
    • How do others perceive your contributions?
    • What feedback have you received about your work?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Articulate your personal value proposition for your role.
    • Seek regular feedback and reflect on how it impacts your sense of making a difference.
I feel my work contribution is valuable and makes a difference

Articulate your personal value proposition for your role. If you are to excel, write down how what you will bring to your organisation makes a difference or adds value to your customers, colleagues and the company?

Seek feedback on your contribution at work and then reflect on how this impacts your overall sense of ‘making a difference’ – to others, to the organisation, to your clients/customers.

I have made compromises in my career because of factors in my personal life*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Acceptance: Acknowledging and accepting compromises can reduce resentment. Acceptance is a key component of psychological flexibility.
    • Life Balance: Balancing career and personal life is crucial for overall wellbeing. Work-life balance is linked to lower stress and higher life satisfaction.
    • Values Alignment: Ensuring compromises align with your values can enhance satisfaction. Value alignment is important for long-term career satisfaction.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What compromises have you made in your career, and what are their costs?
    • How do these compromises align with your values?
    • Can you foresee a time when your career might take precedence again?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect deeply on your career compromises and their impact.
    • Re-prioritize your goals to align with your current life stage and values.
My career is central to my sense of identity
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Identity Theory: Career identity is a significant part of overall identity for many professionals. Identity theory explores how roles and identities shape behaviour.
    • Fulfilment: A strong career identity can provide meaning and fulfilment. Career fulfilment is linked to higher job satisfaction and life satisfaction.
    • Balance: Balancing career identity with other aspects of life is crucial for holistic wellbeing. A balanced identity contributes to overall mental health.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • How central is your career to your sense of identity?
    • What other aspects of your identity are important to you?
    • How would you like your career identity to evolve?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on your career identity and its importance to you.
    • Explore other aspects of your identity and how they contribute to your overall sense of self.
I think I am in the wrong job for me*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Job Satisfaction: A good job fit is crucial for job satisfaction and performance. Job fit is associated with higher engagement and productivity.
    • Self-Worth: Feeling that your job suits you can enhance self-worth and identity. Job fit contributes to a positive self-concept.
    • Career Development: Assessing job fit can guide career development and growth. Understanding job fit helps in making informed career decisions.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What makes you feel that your job may not be the right fit?
    • Are the issues intrinsic to the job or circumstantial?
    • What changes could improve your job fit?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on your job fit and identify areas for improvement.
    • Consider seeking a role that better aligns with your strengths and values.
I derive a sense of meaning and purpose from my work
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Purpose: Finding purpose in work is essential for motivation and engagement. Purpose-driven work leads to higher job satisfaction.
    • Meaning: Meaningful work can enhance overall life satisfaction. Meaning in work is linked to better mental health and wellbeing.
    • Autonomy: Having a sense of purpose can increase autonomy and intrinsic motivation. Autonomy is a key factor in job satisfaction.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What is missing in your current role that affects your sense of meaning and purpose?
    • How does this compare with previous roles?
    • What changes could enhance the meaning and purpose of your work?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Explore opportunities within your current role to find more meaning.
    • Consider discussing your career goals with your manager to find a better fit.
I have a clear direction and vision for how I would like my career to evolve
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Future Planning: Having a clear career direction can provide motivation and focus. Future planning is linked to higher career satisfaction.
    • Goal Setting: Setting career goals can enhance satisfaction and achievement. Goal setting theory emphasizes the importance of clear, attainable goals.
    • Self-Determination: A clear vision can increase autonomy and self-determination. Self-determination theory highlights the role of autonomy in motivation.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What is your vision for your career in the next 5-10 years?
    • What will have to happen for you to feel satisfied with your career progression?
    • How can you align your current actions with your long-term career goals?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Set aside regular time to reflect on your career direction and goals.
    • Envision different scenarios and plan steps to achieve your desired career outcomes.
I feel able to shape my future at work
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Career Path: Having a clear career path and opportunities for growth can enhance job satisfaction.
    • Personal Agency: Feeling able to shape your future can increase motivation and a sense of control.
    • Locus of Control: Understanding your influence over your career can impact your overall outlook and efficacy.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What factors are influencing your ability to shape your future at work?
    • How assertive are you in communicating your career aspirations?
    • Do you tend to blame external factors for your career progression, or do you take personal responsibility?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on your career path and identify opportunities for growth and development.
    • Communicate your aspirations clearly with your manager and seek feedback.
    • Develop new skills and seek out mentoring or coaching opportunities to enhance your career prospects.

Self-Coaching Guide: Meaning, Purpose & Direction at Home

My work identity overshadows the other parts of who I am*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Identity Balance: A balanced identity contributes to overall life satisfaction.
    • Role Diversity: Embracing multiple roles can enhance resilience and fulfillment.
    • Self-Concept: A well-rounded self-concept supports mental health and wellbeing.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What impact is your work identity having on you?
    • What other identities are important to you?
    • Which of your other identities are feeling neglected at this time?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Use the ‘Who are you?’ exercise to explore and identify all your roles. This involves repeatedly asking yourself who you are in order to explore the many different aspects of your being in life.
    • Reflect on steps you can take to redress the balance between your work and other identities.
    • Consider how you feel about making these changes and take small steps towards integrating other aspects of your identity.
I feel grateful for what I have in life
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Gratitude Practice: Regular gratitude practice can enhance overall wellbeing.
    • Positive Psychology: Gratitude is linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction.
    • Mindfulness: Being mindful of what you have can reduce stress and improve mental health.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What are you grateful for in your life?
    • How can you incorporate gratitude exercises into your daily or weekly habits?
    • What impact does practicing gratitude have on your overall sense of wellbeing?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Keep a gratitude journal and write down 3-5 things you are grateful for each day.
    • Engage in gratitude exercises such as writing thank you notes or meditating on gratitude.
    • Reflect on the meaning and purpose these grateful moments bring to your life.
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I make time to think about how I am living my life and consider possibilities for how I can change
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Self-Reflection: Regular self-reflection can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
    • Conscious Living: Making conscious choices enhances life satisfaction.
    • Philosophical Insight: Reflecting on life helps avoid living in ‘bad faith’ and promotes authenticity.
  •  
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • How often do you make time to think about how you are living your life?
    • What compromises and sacrifices have you made, and are you still willing to accommodate these?
    • What changes do you want to make in your life?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Schedule regular ‘dates with yourself’ to reflect on your life and consider changes.
    • Think about the compromises you have made and whether they still serve you.
    • Identify specific changes you want to make and plan steps to implement them.
How I behave day to day reflects what is truly important to me
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Authenticity: Living authentically enhances mental health and life satisfaction.
    • Value Congruence: Aligning behaviour with values reduces stress and increases fulfilment.
    • Existential Psychology: Being true to oneself is crucial for a meaningful life.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • In what ways does your behaviour not reflect who you are or what is truly important to you?
    • How much does this bother you, and what are the associated risks of living inauthentically?
    • What adjustments could you make to align your behaviour with your values?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Challenge yourself to find three ways to change your behaviour to align more closely with your values.
    • Reflect on what might be causing you to behave incongruently with your values.
    • Make small, consistent changes to live more authentically.
I feel optimistic and confident about being able to shape my future
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Optimism: A positive outlook can enhance mental health and resilience.
    • Personal Agency: Believing in your ability to shape your future increases motivation and satisfaction.
    • Future Planning: Setting goals and planning for the future can provide direction and purpose.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What prompted you to feel concerned about your ability to shape your future?
    • How can you work on positive thinking and reframing your thoughts?
    • What does moving towards a positive future look like for you?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Engage in thought challenging and reframing to foster a more optimistic outlook.
    • Make time for deep reflection about your future in various aspects of life.
    • Discuss future plans, hopes, and dreams with loved ones and seek their support.
I feel I am going through life on automatic pilot*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Mindfulness: Being present and making conscious choices enhances life satisfaction.
    • Personal Agency: Taking control of your life can reduce feelings of helplessness and increase fulfillment.
    • Existential Psychology: Living purposefully is crucial for a meaningful life.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • In what ways does your life feel like it is on automatic pilot?
    • What changes would you make if you were living more consciously and purposefully?
    • What is preventing you from making these changes?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on the consequences of living on automatic pilot and what you fear might happen if you continue.
    • Write your eulogy to gain perspective on what you want to be remembered for.
    • Identify small steps you can take to live more consciously and purposefully.
I spend time appreciating nature, the environment and beauty around me
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Nature Connection: Being close to nature can reduce stress and improve mental health.
    • Perspective: Exposure to natural beauty can enhance perspective and decision-making.
    • Mindfulness: Appreciating the environment fosters mindfulness and presence.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What do you enjoy doing in the natural world, and how does it make you feel?
    • How often do you get to enjoy the environment?
    • How can you incorporate more time in nature into your routine?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Take regular breaks to spend time in nature, whether in a city park or the bush.
    • Reflect on how being in nature impacts your mood and perspective.
    • Plan activities that allow you to appreciate the beauty around you.
I get involved in voluntary or community activities with are meaningful to me
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Altruism: Helping others can enhance your sense of meaning and wellbeing.
    • Community Connection: Engaging in community activities fosters a sense of belonging.
    • Personal Fulfillment: Contributing to causes you care about can provide personal satisfaction.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What community or voluntary activities are meaningful to you?
    • How do these activities make you feel?
    • What steps can you take to become more involved in your community?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Identify a new skill, hobby, or volunteering opportunity that appeals to you.
    • Reflect on the impact of your contributions on others and yourself.
    • Explore ways to integrate community involvement into your routine.
I think deeply about the purpose and meaning of my life
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Existential Reflection: Reflecting on life’s purpose can provide clarity and direction.
    • Personal Values: Understanding your values can guide your decisions and actions.
    • Life Satisfaction: Deep reflection can enhance overall life satisfaction and fulfilment.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What are your thoughts on the purpose and meaning of your life?
    • Are you living in a way that feels true to who you are and what you want to achieve?
    • What changes can you make to align your life with your values and aspirations?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Take a day to retreat and reflect on what matters most to you.
    • Keep a journal to track your reflections and revisit them over time.
    • Identify specific actions to align your life with your values and purpose.
I feel I am living my life in a way that is useful to others
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Service to Others: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
    • Connection: Building relationships through service enhances social wellbeing.
    • Happiness: Acts of kindness and usefulness can increase personal happiness.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What makes you feel useful to others?
    • Who are the “others” you had in mind when considering this question?
    • How can you be more available and useful to those around you?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on what “useful” means to you and set realistic expectations.
    • Identify small, daily acts of kindness and service you can perform.
    • Seek feedback from others on how you can be more helpful and supportive.
I feel driven to conform to expectations of success or ‘perfection’*
  • Relevance to Wellbeing:
    • Authenticity: Being true to yourself is crucial for mental health and fulfilment.
    • Autonomy: Defining your own criteria for success enhances personal agency.
    • Consumerism: Recognizing and resisting societal pressures can reduce stress.
  • Reflective Prompts:
    • What expectations of success or perfection are you conforming to?
    • How do these expectations align with your personal values and goals?
    • What would it look like to define your own path and criteria for success?
  • Action Strategies:
    • Reflect on what you truly want for yourself, aside from external expectations.
    • Consider what experiences, passions, and achievements are most important to you.
    • Develop a personal vision for success that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Wellbeing Strategies and Actions

Wellbeing Tips for Meaning, Purpose & Direction - Working Well

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Wellbeing Tips for Meaning, Purpose & Direction - Living Well

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Tip:

Check for linkages with Intellectual Engagement & Flow – a lack of this can negatively impact Meaning, Purpose & Direction at work.