How to Find More Meaning at Work
Early one morning this past summer, I was running on the beach in Carmel when I came across an incredible design someone had created in the sand. By the end of the day, the tide would erase it. No audience. No recognition.
It made me wonder: what inspires us to do great work when no one is watching?
Many leaders focus on recognition, promotions, and measurable results. While those things matter, they are not the only source of fulfillment. One of the most sustainable ways to build meaning at work is to contribute in ways that matter to you, even when no one else notices.
Meaning at work comes from aligning your daily actions with your personal values, creativity, and strengths. It is the freedom to bring something uniquely yours into your work, regardless of whether it receives recognition.
For some leaders, this means bringing humor into difficult conversations. For others, it means taking extra care in the quality of their work or finding creative ways to solve problems. These contributions may never appear on a performance review, yet they often become the moments that make work feel worthwhile.
External recognition is valuable, but it cannot be the only source of motivation. Leaders who depend solely on praise or acknowledgment often feel discouraged when it doesn’t come.
