Fall in love... with your career
What attracts you into a certain career? Fulfilling interests, passions, meeting salary expectations, scope to grow and develop – all of these thoughts will influence what you want to do.
In the beginning, just like a new romance, things can seem very exciting. Or maybe so awful you'll want to hand in your notice immediately.
Everyone has an image of their ‘dream job’. With determination and a positive attitude, you can do any job with that same level of enthusiasm.
Buy flowers
Maybe not literally, but your working environment affects how conducive you are to work, so put some effort into shaping it to your preferences.
If you have your own space, make it as personalised as you can. Whether you have a permanent desk or a locker for your belongings, it’s crucial that you feel happy. This isn’t an option if you travel around or hot-desk, but you can still make yourself comfortable by insisting communal spaces are clean and clutter-free, by speaking up about distractive noise levels or ensuring you have the appropriate level of light to help you be fully creative.
Don’t worry about whether people will think you are a diva! Make your demands. You can’t work to your full potential in a restrictive environment and the more you feel at home, the better you will perform.
Write yourself a love letter
Keeping affirmations is a popular way to stay on track with your career goals. It doesn’t work for everyone but there’s nothing to be lost by giving it a go
Record them privately in a book, or surround your workspace with messages that inspire you. In order for affirmations to work their power you need to repeat them to yourself on a daily basis, some people recommend up to 40 times a day, but don’t over do it! You may want to repeat ‘I love my job’ to yourself. Alternatively try a less intimidating statement like ‘I can handle anything.’
Always search for things to motivate you, but remember that different things motivate people. Praise yourself when things go to plan. Matt Ponting who runs web design company Magpie Multimedia does just that, “I keep a bicycle horn on my desk, whenever I complete a task or feel proud of myself I ring it, it makes me smile and everyone else in the office laugh!”
Keep the spark alive
When do your energy levels peak? Some people are early risers who suffer afternoon slumps. Others are happy to work through the night and nap in the morning. It’s not always possible to be flexible with your hours but you can decide how to approach the day.
Do your most demanding tasks when you have your highest levels of concentration and do the smaller activities when you are flagging. Your workload will become more manageable and a less stressful state will impact on your mood.
You should end the day feeling on a high having achieved your goals and not feeling as though you are snowed under with the most difficult challenges still ahead of you because you haven’t prioritised properly.
If your workload is high, take essential breaks and don’t mull over things, just do them.
Make a date
Take every opportunity to meet up with colleagues and clients and look forward to working with them. Even if you work alone – make every effort to get out and network.
Humans are naturally sociable. Talking about work with people who understand will help you relax in non-work scenarios. Of course the best dates involve gifts, so if you’re in a communal workspace surprise colleagues by bringing in occasional treats like cookies, or even a box of tea. The most boring workplaces can become fun with a little bit of love or at least friendliness.
Be the best
Loving what you do is not just about a job description, but the way you do it and your attitude towards it.
Being ambitious is a positive trait, so look at ways you can achieve your ambitions by excelling and being the best. Be honest with yourself, identify your weaknesses and find ways of turning these around. You want to eradicate all the negative aspects of working; being good at things normally helps.
People tend to dread their jobs when they get stuck or don’t know how to do something. If this is you, ask for help or teach yourself how to do it. Don’t stay comfortable either. Keep pushing yourself so you can continue to improve in all aspects of your work.
Whether your job is love at first sight or the love needs time to blossom, remember that being passionate about your job is just one aspect of your life. When you’re not at work, detach yourself from it – absence makes the heart grow fonder!
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