In the fast-paced world we live in today, it’s all too easy to find ourselves disillusioned and dissatisfied with our work. Whether it’s the monotony of daily tasks or the overwhelming nature of our responsibilities, many of us feel disconnected from the work we do. But often, the root cause of this disillusionment lies in a superficial engagement with our daily tasks. We skim the surface, merely going through the motions, without diving deep into the essence of what we are doing.
This phenomenon isn’t limited to a specific profession or industry. From journalism to technology, education to healthcare, many people feel a sense of disconnection from their work. But what if the problem isn’t the work itself? What if the issue lies in how we approach it?
When we take the time to truly engage, to dive into the details, and to immerse ourselves in the subject at hand, we often discover a hidden richness that we might have overlooked. Everything—whether it’s a topic you think you already know well or something entirely unfamiliar—has depth. In fact, as someone wise once said, “There are no boring topics, only boring people.” This means that if we choose to approach our work, our tasks, and our daily interactions with curiosity and intention, we will discover that even the most seemingly mundane subjects are layered with value and insight.
Deep engagement
At first glance, it may seem like there’s nothing new to discover in our day-to-day tasks. We see the same people, deal with similar problems, and repeat familiar processes. But if we dig deeper, the layers start to peel away, revealing nuances that were previously invisible. Deep engagement requires us to put in the effort to focus, ask questions, and truly understand what’s going on beneath the surface.
For example, think about the work you’re currently doing. Is it something you dread or find repetitive? Consider what would happen if you allowed yourself to get genuinely curious about it. Instead of simply checking off boxes on your to-do list, take a moment to think about why the task is important, how it connects with other aspects of your life, or what new approach you could take. Even the most routine tasks can reveal new opportunities for growth and learning when you shift your mindset from passive participation to active engagement.
Curiosity
Engagement doesn’t just help us understand our work better; it also nurtures personal growth. The simple act of being curious about something, no matter how unrelated it may seem to your core interests, can open up new avenues for learning and development. Curiosity is the gateway to innovation, problem-solving, and creativity. When we allow ourselves to get curious about something—anything—we enrich our skill set in ways that can benefit other areas of our life.
Take, for instance, the process of learning a new language. Even though you might not be interested in language learning at first, once you immerse yourself in it, you begin to notice connections to other parts of your life, such as communication, culture, and even problem-solving skills. The act of learning a new language could open doors to new opportunities and experiences that you never thought possible. Similarly, when we engage deeply with subjects or tasks that seem unrelated to our immediate work, they can enhance our creativity and provide new perspectives, which we can apply back to our professional or personal lives.
As an example, in the context of community media and journalism, even an area that might seem distant from your immediate reporting focus—say, health education—can offer valuable insights. Journalists who take the time to explore issues of public health not only broaden their understanding of complex social issues but also enhance their storytelling techniques by gaining a deeper grasp of how these issues affect different communities. This expanded knowledge not only makes them better reporters but also more engaged and compassionate individuals.
Everything is interconnected
One of the most powerful realizations we can have in our professional and personal lives is that everything is interconnected. No experience, no piece of knowledge, no encounter with someone is ever truly isolated. Each subject we engage with, even if it’s outside our direct area of interest, adds to the broader web of knowledge and experience that shapes our worldview.
By learning about different topics—whether it’s a new field of study, a new hobby, or even something as simple as understanding someone else’s perspective—we become more well-rounded individuals. These interactions and learnings enrich the way we see the world and approach our work. For instance, the process of learning about a completely different field, like digital rights and technology, can sharpen your critical thinking and analytical abilities. These skills can then be transferred to your own field, whether it’s journalism, community outreach, or anything else.
Additionally, when we see how seemingly unrelated areas interconnect, it opens up new pathways for collaboration and problem-solving. Ideas and solutions that wouldn’t have been possible with a narrow focus suddenly come into view when we approach challenges from a broader perspective.
