A MeEO Framework for Staying Grounded, Energized, and in Control
We often treat work as a checklist of tasks or a ladder to climb.
But what if it’s actually about how we feel?
I believe our careers are at their best when five essential emotional needs are met.
The Five Forces of Engagement: Stability, Belonging, Confidence, Autonomy, and Creativity.
The needs that keep us grounded, energized, and in control of our career and life.
These aren’t lofty aspirations or buzzwords.
They are daily, lived experiences.
And when one goes unmet for too long, we feel it.
In our mood, motivation, and momentum.
Here’s a breakdown of the five feelings that fuel fulfilling, sustainable work:
1. Stability
Feeling secure and supported financially, emotionally, and psychologically.
You can’t be strategic if you’re just trying to survive. Stability is your foundation. It’s your income, your health, your job security, your sense of calmness. When it’s shaky, everything feels harder. When it’s solid, you have space to breathe and build.
Ask yourself: Where do I feel most secure and where could I use more support?
2. Belonging
Feeling connected, accepted, and part of something.
Humans are wired for connection and that includes at work. Belonging is being part of a team, a culture, a mission that resonates. It’s knowing someone’s got your back and your voice matters.
Ask yourself: Where do I feel seen and included right now?
3. Confidence
Feeling capable, valued, and proud of what you bring.
Confidence comes from competence and recognition. It’s about knowing you’re doing good work and being reminded of it. It grows with feedback, small wins, and occasions where you can shine.
Ask yourself: What am I proud of in myself or my work lately?
4. Autonomy
Feeling free to make choices that align with who you are.
Micromanagement kills motivation. Autonomy is about choice in how you work, what you focus on, and how you grow. It’s trusting yourself and being trusted by others.
Ask yourself: Where do I feel free to make decisions that reflect me?
5. Creativity
Feeling energized through learning, curiosity, and expression.
This doesn’t mean painting murals (unless that’s your thing). Creativity shows up in problem-solving, innovation, and even how you structure your day. It’s the spark that keeps things from going stale. We need to make sure we don’t lose our sense of creativity and the spark that drives our work.
Ask yourself: Where am I feeling most curious, playful, or inspired?
Summary
These five feelings aren’t “nice to haves”.
They’re essential ingredients in a work life that works for each of us.
If something feels off in our career, we can check in with these.
We might find the root isn’t our role or our team.
Instead, it’s an unmet need we haven’t named yet.
This is what being a MeEO is all about:
Noticing, naming, and navigating our experience with intention.
Your Turn
What do you think of these 5 areas?
Which is your strongest? Weakest?
What can you do this week to improve in one area?