In honor of Valentine’s Day, I decided to discuss the importance of loving your work. Most people are not thinking about celebrating love for their work on this occasion, and I am not saying that your love for work should over power your love for family and friends. However if you love your work it will help to find success and freedom.
First, ask yourself “Do I love my job?”. If your answer is anything less than yes, then you may need to figure out why. Some people are okay with a job that is alright and some people even tolerate jobs that they find horrible. Can you imagine how successful you would be if loved your job? Can you imagine how profitable a company would be where the employees loved their work and were inspired?
Second, are you giving your best? When you are working be engaged and focus on the mission. If you are not putting forth the effort required in your work how can it be fulfilling? A job that is not fulfilling is hard to love. Be prideful in the work you do. Your work is a reflection of you.
Third, are you doing a job that allows you to challenge yourself? Most people thrive off the thrill of accomplishment. If your job is too easy for you ask for more. Do not take the attitude of “I am only paid for a certain amount of work and that is what they get.” Most companies are looking for people to advance that show passion and desire for more.
Fourth, are you being managed properly? Are you a good manager? Management plays a huge factor in the love for a job. Try to always work with your boss and approach difficult situations with positive spins. If you are managing others remember that your positive leadership reflects to your people. If you coach them effectively they will want to work hard for you and make your job more rewarding. Earn the respect of your team by respecting them. Inspire them to want to do a good job for you and the company.
Fall in Love with your Work
- Go into work with a good attitude and SMILE.
- Learn more about your work. Ask questions and care about the job
- Show how much you care about a job well done and inspire those around you to care.
- Find inspiration from your leaders, products, services, and clients.
- Sometimes you are going to have to do things you do not want. Focus on the big picture.
- Don’t get caught up in negativity.
Know when to Move on
- Give your work everything you got before you give up.
- Not enjoying a job does not mean you have to hate working.
- Being willing to let go, if the job turns out to be miserable do not settle look for something that will inspire you.
- Understand why it was not a good fit for you.
- Expand on the things you enjoyed and excelled at.
Life has many challenges that we cannot control. Work should not be one of them. Take control of your work and love what you do. My work is not glamorous to many people, and for me I love it. For the people that are not engaged in their work I hope they find work that inspires them and they fall in love. Perhaps one day they can join me in saying “Happy Valentine’s Day Work, I love you!”