A friend shared some advice recently on LinkedIn that stopped my scrolling — list out all of the things you like about your job. And all the things you don’t like about your job. And then try to do more of what you like and less of what you don’t.
In a world of deadlines, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of what brings us happiness in our professional lives. With my friend’s well-timed (New Year, new me and all that jazz) advice in mind, the challenge becomes a puzzle – how can we do more of what we love and less of what we don’t? Considering the fact that my 8 and 12-year-olds are better at puzzles than I am, here’s where I’ve landed:
Start with the easy stuff or The Power of Positivity
Begin with the positives. What aspects of our jobs bring smiles to our faces? It could be the collaborative brainstorming sessions, the moments of creative inspiration, or the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the good stuff, we’re not just creating a list; we’re cultivating a mindset.
Let’s consider this exercise an audit of our professional happiness. Whether it’s the autonomy to make decisions, the camaraderie with colleagues, or the opportunity for continuous learning, identifying the good stuff allows us to channel our energy toward what fulfills us.
Then do more of it or Amplifying the Positives
Armed with our lists of good stuff, our next step is to amplify them. Can we carve out more time for tasks that align with our passions? Are there specific projects or responsibilities that allow us to leverage our strengths and skills? By consciously steering toward these positives, we’re not only enhancing our job satisfaction but we’re contributing our best selves to our team and company. We were hired for a reason, right? And I guarantee it’s not for anything we don’t like to do or consider ourselves not good at. Essentially, let’s take our jobs and turn them into platforms for growth; where tasks align with our values and strengths.
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye or Navigating the Negatives
Okay, okay, that was all very rose-colored glasses of us. Let’s address the flip side – the aspects of our jobs that may feel less … than ideal. Perhaps it’s the monotony of certain tasks, excessive administrative work, excessive work with numbers (ahem), or limited opportunities for professional development. Let’s acknowledge these challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities for change/growth/you get the idea.
Can we delegate certain responsibilities that don’t align with our strengths? Are there innovative ways to approach those humdrum tasks and make them more engaging? By actively seeking solutions to the aspects we dislike, it seems to me we’ll regain a sense of control over our professional journeys.
Say ommmmmm or Striving for Balance
Achieving balance between the good stuff and the bad seems utopian, but the essence lies in the effort. While it’s not realistic to eliminate every task we dislike, let’s work toward minimizing their impact on our overall satisfaction. Let’s delegate where possible, communicate our preferences to our teams, and seek support in areas that challenge us.
This isn’t about ignoring or fobbing off challenges; it’s about taking charge of our own happiness. By acknowledging both the good and bad, we can gain clarity on our professional priorities. It’s a trail map that guides us toward a career where the things we love take center stage, and the aspects we don’t become opportunities for growth and improvement.
I’m usually not one for sticking with or even making resolutions, but this — this I think I can do. Join me?
Editor’s note: Jen Levisen is a writer, editor, and content strategist passionate about connecting and storytelling and using both to highlight impact. She is the Director of Communications for mindful MATERIALS and is the host of the Impact Icons podcast, an Imagine a Place Production. Connect with Jen on LinkedIn or through email.