5 Ways to Rekindle Love for Your Job

It's not uncommon for that initial spark, fizz, and magic that you felt when you first landed your job to gradually dim overtime. All relationships take work - including the one with your job.

If you've found yourself in a rut when it comes to your job, it's time to take action. Rather than succumbing to the doom of monotony, take a few measures to rediscover your passion for your work.

Here's how to find it:

1. Think long term goals. Sometimes, we lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, which is highly rut-inducing. Even if your job isn't your most ideal, chances are that it's a critical prerequisite to your ultimate dream. Everyone has to pay their dues.

So instead of complaining about how much of the grunt work you're doing, start envisioning your dream role and think about how your current job plays into making that happen. Start doing some research about what your next step forward will be in your career trajectory. Create opportunity for growth--even if it means searching for a job elsewhere. Once the wheels are in motion, you will start feeling reenergized about your career goals.

2. Take on a new challenge. If you're bored, you need a new challenge. There's nothing wrong with telling your manager that you want to take on something new -- something that will really make you think. And, hey, an employee asking for new challenges is music to any boss' ears.

Whether it's taking on a brand new project or improving the way you do your current job, taking on a new challenge is just what the doctor ordered to break your boring routine. Once you can finally roll up your sleeves and tackle something new, the rush you'll get after having completed it successfully will definitely fill your heart with love for your job.

3. Take a new course. Learning a new skill is a great way to open up some new doors and invite new challenges. Whether your new skill is for personal or professional growth, learning something new can help expand your knowledge and challenge yourself as well.

Check your company policy or talk to your boss about getting some supplemental training or enrolling in courses. Alternatively, the web has a host of free resources you can use to make this happen. Check out this list of "650 Free Online Courses from Top Universities" compiled by Open Culture, a blog that curates educational content (http://www.openculture.com/faq).

4. Write down the highlights. One way to start feeling good about your job is to write down anything and everything good that happens. Score a new client? Receive an honorable mention at the company banquet? Successfully beat a tough deadline? Write about how you did it in one or two sentences on a piece of scrap paper. Fold the piece of paper and put it in a jar. After you've collected a nice handful of notes, randomly pick a couple out and you'll love walking down happy memory lane.

5. Engage in some networking. Talking to new folks in different departments or different companies is a great way to gain more perspective. Surround yourself with people who seem very motivated and happy. Nothing fuels good feelings like a good conversation. Shooting the breeze is always nice.

But if you meet or know someone with whom you really click, consider collaborating on new challenges (No. 2) to help make the job even more fun. Two minds are better than one. Plus, you never know when that extra networking effort will come back to you in a positive way somewhere down the line.

Ritika Trikha is a writer for CareerBliss, an online career community dedicated to helping people find happiness in the workplace. Check out CareerBliss for millions of job listings, company reviews, salary information, and a free career happiness assessment.