Dear Dr. Mimi:
I am in a rut. I have been doing the same thing for six years, and I am tired of it. I am compensated well, but my job has simply become boring. I have become boring and, to be honest, not all that pleasant to be around. Help! I really don’t want to leave, but I really am bored with my job! My boss will not listen. He thinks what I do is important and challenging! It was, but it isn’t now!
—Bored

Dear Bored:
It is time for you to take charge of your job and make it even better. What can you do to do your work even better? Can you use some outside training and development? When was the last time you invested in yourself to learn new skills? Even if budgets are tight, ask to go to a workshop or seminar that might ignite a spark of passion and interest in your job. New skills can help break you out of a rut and think creatively about what
you do. Next, take time to examine what you do and how it gets done; you might uncover a more efficient way to work or new avenues to explore. Try taking a calculated risk and be creative and innovative. Ask your customers (either internal or external) about what they would like to see you do more or less of or perhaps do differently. You may be so close to the situation that you can’t see what else can be done. Lastly, rearrange and redecorate your space. Our environment has a lot to do with how we feel. Make yours more motivating. Hope that helps! Now get moving and do something!
—Dr. Mimi