Everyone has a "bad day" now and again, when one's work is less than enjoyable. But what happens when one day stretches into two, and a few days stretch into months? After all, you've heard people talk about "their purpose in life" and have seen books about "doing what you love" so the money can follow. The problem? You're not quite sure how to get from here to there.

Tip: Identify and take steps towards "right livelihood"

First, there is no "one size fits all" solution to the issue of right livelihood or "purpose in life." What's more, one's "purpose in life" rarely fits tidily into a mainstream job title or company name. The very expectation that there is one perfect way or perfect job or perfect approach is, in itself, the cause of much suffering! Even with a deeply rewarding livelihood, or an ideal job, one still experiences a day here and there where nothing seems to go right, or one feels unenthused.

That said, there are definitely ways to create more meaning in your work, or identify a livelihood path that's a better fit with your true interests, talents and developmental potential. Sometimes that might mean making a current job or business more optimal, while other times may call for a responsible, respectful shift into another job opportunity or business vision and model. In doing either, you have to start somewhere — preferably, you'll start right where you are! Stop the "anxious spinning," and identify short-term and medium-term things you can do to add spice, energy, opportunity and meaning.

• Identify five things you enjoy doing, or talking, thinking, reading, or writing about. These may be large or small; they may be currently associated with "a job" or avocational interest, or they might be qualities or certain types of interactions.

• Identify five ways you could make your current work (or job search, if you're seeking employment) more meaningful — emphasizing only things that don't rely on someone else!

• Identify five ways you can start "planting seeds" towards an increased experience of right livelihood.

For ideas and an exercise, see "Mapping Your Road to Right Livelihood."

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