Professional boredom. What!?

I'm sure my girls are not different than most other American students, at least when it comes to summer boredom (or at least their perception of boredom.)

You know what I'm talking about because we have all either a) been a student or b) been the parent of a student.

It plays out much the same way everywhere. Student counts down the days to the end of the year and comes home chanting 'summer, Summer, SUMMER' in their best High School Musical tones. By day two, you are certain to hear - I'm bored or there is nothing to do in the days before their summer activities kick off.

After this happened at my house, I started drawing parallels.

I know many professionals (myself included) that have at one time or another been bored in their job. They, like students with summer star in their eyes, worked or studied hard for the job or promotion. When the 'arrived' they were thrilled, like kids the day school is out for summer. They are content for a time, but when problems arise or the challenges stop coming, they get bored with their job.

How can you overcome the challenge of 'professional boredom' that many won't admit to having? Try some or all of these:

1) Read something. Professionals that don't read are going backward in their profession. Pick a book store. Find a book. Read it. Repeat. If books aren't your thing, find a new blog related to your profession or related subject and read it. Daily.

2) Take 30 minutes and clean up your work space. Often the act of organizing can help you feel more engaged. Or, you will dive into the task and it will pull you into some projects you've been dreading. Once you are into it you'll realize it isn't all that bad!

3) Use a vacation day during the week and do something you want to do - for you. Something that you won't take time for on the weekend.

4) Write down your goals or review them if you have previously written them. Are you on track? If yes, do you need to re-evaluate what you want to do. Off track? What will it take to get back on the path you set out?

5) Seek out a non-profit and volunteer for a project, committee or the board. You might use a new part of your skills and ignite your passion all over again.

It is OK to be bored and it's even fine to admit it, but it's not healthy for you or your company to stay bored. What are your favorite solutions to professional boredom?