Everyone experiences periods of fatigue and burnout in the workplace. Whether it’s repetitive tasks or the gradual loss of novelty, these factors can trigger negative emotions toward work. However, the reasons many employees leave are not just about “salary” or “frustration,” but more often about a “lack of freshness.” This is also why many people switch jobs, though a change in position doesn’t necessarily solve the root problem. So how can we rediscover novelty and rekindle enthusiasm in our current roles? The following three methods can help you break through stagnation and stay motivated.

1. Maintain an open mindset and keep learning

No matter how experienced you are, keeping an open mindset means continuously embracing new knowledge and challenges. This attitude not only fuels enthusiasm for work but also strengthens your competitiveness.

Many people, once familiar with their tasks, become complacent and stop seeking new skills or ways of thinking. But this mentality often leads to burnout and even robs work of its joy. By maintaining an open mindset, you approach work as if you were still new, no matter how senior you are. You can achieve this by joining training programs, learning from colleagues, or seeking knowledge beyond your industry. As Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, once said: “Anyone who stops learning is old.” In the workplace, continuous learning and reflection are what keep you energized and prevent daily routines from wearing you down.

2. Keep a sense of urgency and avoid complacency

Many assume that only mid-career professionals feel a sense of crisis, but in reality, it applies at every stage of one’s career. A sense of urgency doesn’t mean fear—it’s a constant reminder to maintain respect and passion for work.

For example, a seasoned professional once shared how he remained full of energy every day, always charging forward like a soldier. Even under heavy workloads, he gave his all. This mindset came from a past experience of being laid off, which taught him to always stay alert: If the company suddenly closed, would I be able to find a better opportunity? This sense of urgency not only fueled his passion but also ensured he remained competitive.

Having a sense of urgency doesn’t mean living in constant anxiety, but rather resisting dependency on your current role or environment. No matter where you are in your career, staying vigilant against change prevents you from falling into a comfort zone.

3. Explore new fields and enhance career competitiveness

In addition to strengthening your skills in your current role, another effective strategy is to expand your comfort zone.By venturing into unfamiliar areas, you can strengthen your professional edge. For instance, one digital marketing associate felt his job was dull. But when he branched into social media operations, learning and applying new skills, he successfully transitioned into a managerial role in that field, eventually earning a promotion and a raise.

Expanding your comfort zone doesn’t mean constantly job-hopping—it means diversifying your skill set to create more opportunities for growth. You can do this by learning new disciplines, enrolling in online courses, or building practical experience through side projects. By continually upgrading yourself, you not only keep your work exciting but also increase your career flexibility and resilience, opening up new possibilities for your future.

Conclusion

Freshness at work is something you can cultivate—it depends on how you respond to challenges. By maintaining an open mindset, keeping a sense of urgency, and expanding your comfort zone, you can break through career bottlenecks and rediscover passion for your work. Challenges will always exist in the workplace, but it’s these very challenges that create opportunities for growth. Don’t let temporary fatigue or monotony push you into giving up. Instead, keep learning, adjust your mindset, and rediscover the enjoyment and value in your work—so you can go further in your career journey.