Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into having enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend.
It’s the time of year when many people consider all they are thankful for, like family, shelter, and friends. When you count up your blessings, do you include your job? Even if your current job isn’t perfect, it is something for which you should be thankful.
You contribute a lot! If you’re struggling to find meaning in your work or are having trouble enjoying your job, take a moment to consider what you bring to the table. Take an inventory of your talents, skills and personality, and remind yourself that you are a valuable employee. Then shift your focus and contribute even more. Make an extra effort to contribute with great ideas, and a little extra participation daily. Chances are your increased efforts and positive attitude will be noticed.
Your job gives back to you in many ways. Your income isn’t the only thing you get from your work. You may want to take a moment to make a list of the things you receive from your workplace, like health insurance, benefits, time off, or teambuilding opportunities. You may have a gym for employees, or bonuses during the holidays? Maybe you have flexible work hours? They may provide coffee, or water or snacks, lunches, etc.! You may have a benefit you may not have noticed.
When you contribute toward a pleasant work environment, you also help your co-workers appreciate their job. Staying out of gossip is a good rule, as it only spreads negativity. Have fun at work by inviting your co-workers to lunch or keeping up with their life outside the workplace. When you get along with your co-workers, it not only makes for a more enjoyable work environment but can also help the team’s overall morale.
A recent study from Good Technology revealed that 80% of people continue working after they leave the office, and checking emails is the biggest culprit. It’s okay to enjoy your work, but you need to find a balance between your job and your personal life to ensure happiness.
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Mary Leonardi
