You don’t need to quit your job, and run away “Eat, Pray, Love”-style to be happy. You can make some changes THIS WEEK to start loving your job more. Keep reading and start waking up EXCITED every day!
Ok, so it’s only Tuesday but maybe the blah’s have already kicked in. I don’t know if you are looking for a small change or huge change (like quitting your job, moving to Bali, starting a business and getting a PhD). And maybe you don’t know what you need either. That’s ok!
If all you know is that you want to be happier, that’s great.
The even better news is
YOU CAN START TODAY!
Any change you want starts with you doing something about it. So here’s 5 things you can do THIS WEEK to have happier work and a happier life.
1) Plan 3 Fun Breaks.
Having something to look forward to brings you joy before, during and after. It’s like triple the happiness! This fun break can be a lunch break or a shorter mid-morning one. Do something that’s fun for YOU. Go for lunch with a friend or a coworker. Close your office door and take a 10-minute stretch break (or have a dance party!). Go for a walk. Book that massage you’ve been meaning to. Watch a TedTalk you’ve been dying to see. Pull out your colouring book and make a masterpiece. Whatever it is, give your brain and body a chance to hit “refresh”. It will make you more productive AND also give you a giant boost of happy!
2) Jot down what you love.
Put a piece of paper next to your keyboard or start a note in your phone. Any time you find yourself enjoying what you’re doing, looking forward to doing something at work, or if you just lost track of time because you were so into what you were doing, write it down! This will help you learn about yourself and what you love to do. Once you understand this, it makes knowing what to do to love your career a lot easier. Start by tracking what you love. Then look for ways to do more of it in your life.
3) Help and appreciate someone else. Share the happy with others! You can:
- Help a colleague. Sure, you’re busy. We’re all busy. But you see a coworker drowning in work, or struggling with something you’re good at. Lend a hand. Giving encourages others to help and we all know what goes around comes around.
- Recognize someone who’s made a difference to you. Consider how they would want to be thanked and do it that way. Say thank you to them at your team meeting, send a personalized thank you card, or email them and their boss, thanking them for something they did for you! It makes you feel good and creates a positive work environment. Create healthy relationships today. They will last for the rest of your career.
4) Do that scary thing.
Take a risk. Do that thing that's been nagging you but you haven't had the balls to do. Volunteer for that new project. Speak up and bring a new perspective to the table. Lead something you've never done. Share your opinion even though it's different than everyone else's. Go to that networking event alone. You want an awesome career? Of course you do! Go get it. Be courageous today and try new things. Don’t forget that you are unique. Whatever you choose to say, join or create will be better because of your ideas, leadership, and perspective. So be bold and just do it!
5) Start an "I Rock” folder.
Mine’s called “Lisa Rocks” but I recommend using your own name. I have an email folder that I’ll put positive feedback in when someone sends me a flattering or appreciative email. Not only is it an awesome way to perk up when you’re having a bad day, but it’s also extremely helpful for your career. Stock it now and your performance reviews will be a piece of cake. Run your own business? Share your “I Rock” folder as raving testimonials to new clients (don’t forget to ask permission first). No-one else will take ownership of your career for you. You have to own your career. Take pride and keep track because it’s up to you to be confident about and share the incredible work you’re doing!
Challenge yourself to do all 5 of these things. Try them this week. Do them again next week. I guarantee you will find yourself smiling more and feeling confident in what you are doing.
Do it this week because action is what it’s ALL about!
Let me know how it goes. I know you can do it! And I love hearing from you. Reach out and share your thoughts.