If you don’t feel like you have a career purpose, that’s okay; focus on finding meaning instead. While purpose represents an overarching goal, meaning is the feeling of satisfaction you get from your work. Here’s how to discover the meaning in your work.
Start by identifying what brings you joy in the course of your day-to-day work life. Perhaps it’s collaborating with others, thinking creatively, or being a mentor. When do you feel that spark? Developing a clear sense of what you enjoy about the process of work will help you define a sense of meaning that you can pursue and follow throughout your career.
Then think about the areas where you’re succeeding—and develop that greatness. Every job is comprised of a number of responsibilities. Ask yourself: Which ones do I consistently excel at? Where have I received good feedback? What skills am I excited to build on? You can derive meaning from a sense of mastery and deep expertise.
When you enjoy the things you’re great at, that’s the sweet spot.
Source :: “Your Career Doesn’t Need to Have a Purpose” Harvard Business Review