No matter where you are currently on the job satisfaction scale, motivation experts note a few simple actions can help you fall in love with how you earn your living—whether your outlook just needs a little tuning or a major overhaul. Take these steps to push away stress and find happiness in your career:
- Acknowledge what works. No job is perfect, or all bad. Jot down aspects of your job you enjoy or benefit from. Find at least one positive each day to add to the list.
- Get clear on the big picture. If you aren’t sure how your effort contributes to the overall goals of your work team or company, ask. The feeling you’re just spinning your wheels can drain even the most upbeat worker.
- Identify your strengths. No one is good at everything! Are you a leader? An implementer? Do you thrive on detail work? Are you great with people? Learn what tasks or work styles give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Fine-tune what you have. Once you know your strengths, adjust your work life to play to them. Can you delegate certain tasks? Mentor someone? Master a new skill? Ask for new responsibilities? Working your strengths instead of continually fighting your weaknesses will add energy to your day.
- Write down your goals. Falling in love with your work is closely related to falling in love with your life. What is your deepest purpose? Write it down, then start strategizing to align your career goals with it. Knowing why you’re working is a surefire way to put a spring in your step.
- Clean up the mess. Disorganization can leave you frazzled. Clear work area clutter, then consider other messes in your life—especially financial ones, such as debt. To reduce stress, track spending to see where your hard-earned dollars go. Even if the truth hurts, once you do, you become freer to create a budget that’s in line with your purpose and goals.
Article from the StayWell Company, LLC