(Newswire.net — December 12, 2017) — Every felt miserable as you put on your clothes to go to work? Haven’t we all at some time or another? Only a third of US employees feel engaged at work, according to a 2015 Gallup poll. Business psychologists use engagement to measure how happy employees are with their jobs.
Why does being happy at work matter? According to the Harvard Business Review, people who aren’t happy at work can impact the organization in negative ways. This, of course, can put a halt on your desires for career advancement, among other things.
Want to be happier at work and advance your career? It only takes a moment to have a realization that can change how you view your work. Here is where to start.
1. You have options
If your workplace is a toxic environment for you, or your boss is demanding, have you considered it might be time to move on? Perhaps you feel scared that you no longer have what it takes to compete with others who would be vying for the positions you want. Or maybe the fact that you have not updated your resume in years is holding you back. Take a moment to face your fears. Use this resume builder to update your resume. Find out the requirements for jobs that could be the next step for you. Action defeats fear and uncertainty every time.
2. Create boundaries between work life and home life
For most of us, it can be difficult to disconnect our work life from our home life. But finding ways to establish boundaries might be the key to greater happiness at home. Use a transitioning activity before returning home that will clear your mind of all thoughts of work. For example, listen to an audiobook you enjoy during your return commute. Or hit up the gym before walking through your door. Find an activity that can immerse your mind to help you disconnect from work. Doing this will help you to create healthy lines of separation in your mind and in your day.
3. Avoid over-identifying with your job
When someone asks you to introduce yourself, is the first thing that comes to mind your job? Most of us do this. But who are you without your job? You would still be you. Over-identifying with your job can lead to depression and unhappiness if you experience a business setback or get fired. Resilient people understand that their job is one aspect of their lives and not an immutable part of their identity.
So how does a person find their identity in places outside of work? Consider your family and friends and the role that you play in their lives. You are someone’s son, possibly someone’s sibling, partner, or best friend. Your role in their lives would not change if you were to switch jobs. And while relationships can change over time, the person you are deep inside will not. Think about the things you enjoy, the hobbies you pursue, and the life you lead outside of your work. Spend some time daily meditating on these things and being grateful for your life outside of work. Doing this will lessen the power your work identity will have on your life.
4. Have an idea of where you are heading
People who know where they are going are more willing to endure unpleasantness along the way in the pursuit of that higher goal. Marathon runners have that finish mark in mind. Olympic athletes set their sights on that one event that comes along every four years. What’s your goal? Perhaps it is to retire by 45, or to save up enough for an extended cruise vacation. Knowing why you are showing up at work daily and how that helps boost your personal goals can be a powerful motivator for you.
5. Focus on what you can control
Most of our unhappiness at work has to do with things that are out of our control to change. That coworker who believes you are out to get her. The clients who demand unrealistic deadlines. The boss who is forgetful.
Wishing it were different only wastes valuable energy that you could use to keep yourself in a productive and positive frame of mind. The next time you bump up against a circumstance that is out of your control? Take it as an inner prompt that the only thing you can control in an uncontrollable situation is how you will deal with it.