Motivation Monday: Love your job!

Working with the scholarship students and my coworkers make me happy!

Lately I have heard from several peers, colleagues and friends that their job isn't satisfying. So, if you are feeling under appreciated, overwhelmed...or just whelmed (there's a tail end of one of my favorite movie quotes), here are 12 steps to love your job.

1. Get motivated to face the day: On the way to your workplace, think of how the work allows you to have your life outside of it, such as a great social life. A positive attitude will make the day more pleasant and productive.
2. Keep your work in perspective: You can only do the best you can in any situation. Look beyond yourself and your work, and consider the bigger picture. Do some voluntary work to gain a broader outlook. Find a way to contribute to society in general.
3. You are more than your work: Do not allow your identity to be strongly tied to your job or position. And stop thinking your work life “should” be a certain way. Such expectations deter you from enjoying what you accomplish daily.
4. Plan your time and create a to-do list: In this list, include long term projects as well as the more imminent projects. Prioritize your to-do list and focus on the most important things first. When performing any task, ask yourself – is this the best use of my time?
5. Concentrate on the task at hand: Do not let yourself be distracted by worrying about your pile of work or the undesirable situation you may find yourself. Stay in the moment.
6. Be clear about what’s expected of you: The more clear and upfront you are with your manager and the other people you work with, the better it will be for you in the long term.
7. Delegate wherever appropriate: Always remember the “3D” rule – do it, dump it or delegate it – never handle a piece of paper twice.
8. Have regular breaks: Get away from your normal workplace even if only for five minutes. Try taking a break from the laptop, emails and leave the cell phone behind. Make sure that you take a lunch break – it's not just for food but also for fresh air and a mental break.
9. Learn to relax: No matter how challenging the work becomes or how demanding your bosses might be, at the end of the day it is only a job and you are much more than that. In years to come, you will look back and wonder what the fuss was about.
10. Make your workplace more pleasant: Contribute towards creating a pleasant work environment. Do not gossip in the office as it just creates negativity all around (learning this!). Do not listen to any gossip either. Learn to have more fun at work. Laugh more and chill out. Perform with a more fun orientated approach.
11. Review your day before you leave for home: Look at what worked and what could be improved upon for the next day. If you feel satisfied with the day’s work, then why not reward yourself later that day. You deserve it.
12. Switch off once you leave work: You are already at work a third of your time, so do not continue to keep it buzzing in your head during your free time. Mentally say goodbye to your work space the moment you leave for home.

See...12 ways to avoid a case of the Mondays (another good movie quote).