When the Work You Once Loved Starts Draining You

You used to feel inspired. Maybe even energised by your work. But now? The spark is gone. 

What once felt purposeful now feels like an endless cycle of to-dos, spreadsheets, and chasing deadlines. 

You are not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re broken or lazy. It means you're human, and your mind is asking for a reset.

Here's how you can reignite your energy and find meaning again in a job that has become mundane, backed by science, and grounded in compassion.

1. Reconnect with Your "Why"

Purpose-driven work boosts dopamine, the brain's motivation chemical. (Harvard Business Review, 2021)

Try this & take 10 minutes and ask yourself

• Why did I choose this work in the first place?
• What moments in this job ever made me feel proud?
• Who benefits from what I do, even indirectly?

Write it down and keep it visible, seeing the deeper meaning in your work can revive your internal drive.

2. Make Small Tasks More Enjoyable

Behavioural Activation Therapy suggests that adding pleasure to routine tasks increases energy and reduces burnout (APA, 2018).

Try this

• Add a soundtrack you love while doing data work
• Time block: 25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break
• Change your scenery or lighting — your brain responds to novelty!

3. Create a "Done" List

Checking off completed tasks releases dopamine — it’s your brain’s way of saying "well done" (NeuroLeadership Institute).

Try,

• Instead of only focusing on what's next, end each day by writing down what you did get done

Acknowledge effort, not just outcomes, it’s a mindset shift from chasing to appreciating.

4. Introduce Micro-Moments of Flow

Flow state (Flow what? This means being deeply focused) improves job satisfaction and productivity. (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)

Try, 

• Set clear, small goals for each session
• Eliminate distractions
• Celebrate micro-wins like solving one tricky issue or completing a file early

Even 20 minutes in flow can mind blowing reset your brain chemistry for the entire day!

5. Anchor Your Day With Something You Love

Anticipation increases serotonin, improving mood and motivation (Psychology Today).

Try one of these,

• Plan one small enjoyable thing before or after your least favourite task

Whether it’s a lovely coffee, dog walk, podcast, or phone chat — let it become your anchor

The brain starts linking reward to task and the resistance softens.

Final Thoughts

It’s normal to feel flat when your daily routine feels like a grind…...

But burnout doesn't have to be the end of your story. Often, it’s an invitation to realign.

You don't need to quit your job to rediscover joy,  you just need small, intentional shifts to reconnect with what lights you up.

And if you need someone to help guide you through it? You know where to find me.

With empathy and encouragement,

Linda x
Founder – Harmony Life & Wellbeing Coaching