How Do You Reconnect When You're Feeling Lost At Work?

Have you ever found yourself sitting at your desk, staring at your to-do list, and wondering, “Why am I really doing this?”

Maybe the work that once excited you now feels like a heavy weight. Or perhaps you’re questioning if you’re even in the right place at all. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. More importantly, you’re not broken.

I hit the point where the Carte Blanche music on a Sunday evening felt like impending doom. On Friday afternoons I was like William Wallace 'You can take my life, but you can never take my freedom!' (said in a Scottish accent in my head, warpaint on my face and sword in the air). This was clearly not sustainable.

Feeling lost at work often comes down to one core issue: a disconnect between what you’re doing and what truly matters to you. When your daily tasks, your team, or even your organisation’s culture don’t align with your core values, it’s easy to lose motivation, confidence, and purpose.

So how do you find your way back?

How do you reconnect with those values that ground you and give your work meaning?

Here are three steps I’ve found powerful, for myself and for the clients I coach. They help you rediscover your core values and bring clarity back to your professional life.

1. Pause and Reflect: What Really Matters to You?

In the rush of deadlines and meetings, it’s rare we take time to simply be with ourselves. But reflection is the first step toward clarity.

Ask yourself:

➡️ When have I felt most fulfilled at work? What was I doing?

➡️ What qualities do I admire in leaders or colleagues?

➡️ What makes me feel proud of my work?

➡️ When have I felt drained or frustrated? Why?

Write down whatever comes up, with no judgement, just curiosity.

Often, our core values reveal themselves in the moments that stir strong emotions, both positive and negative.

2. Identify Your Non-Negotiables

Once you’ve reflected, try to distill your insights into a handful of core values—words or phrases that represent what you cannot compromise on. These might be things like integrity, creativity, balance, impact, or connection.

These non-negotiables are your compass. When your work aligns with them, you feel energised and purposeful. When it doesn’t, you feel off course.

If you’re unsure what your non-negotiables are, consider how you want to show up each day - not just as a professional, but as a whole person.

3. Take Small, Intentional Steps Toward Alignment

Reconnecting with your core values doesn’t always mean making a dramatic career change overnight. Sometimes, it’s about small shifts - setting boundaries, choosing projects that excite you, or speaking up for what matters.

Start by asking yourself:

➡️ What's one thing I can do this week to honour my values at work?

➡️ Who can I talk to about aligning my role with what matters to me?

➡️ What support or resources do I need to make this happen?

Remember, this is a journey, not a race. Each intentional step builds momentum toward a more fulfilling professional life.

Feeling lost at work is painful, but it’s also an invitation to rediscover who you are and what lights you up. Your core values are waiting to guide you back to purpose and confidence.

If you’d like to explore this more deeply, I’m here to help. Let’s have a conversation about how coaching can support you in reconnecting with your values and reclaiming your energy.

#values #purpose #leadership #coaching #growth #selfawareness