One of the biggest things people need to do, that many don’t even realize they need to do, is create more meaning in their work. We spend much of our lives at work, so without meaning, our lives can begin to feel somewhat empty. Luckily, there are many ways you can make your work mean something. You don’t necessarily need to switch jobs for this to happen either. Read on to find out how…
Create A Working Environment That Maximizes Growth
The working environment that you spend time in absolutely must be somewhere that maximizes growth. Whether you work from home or in an office, make sure you feel inspired whenever you go to work. You can make the working environment a place like this by ensuring it inspires you with images, words, and colors. Adding a plant can even be a great way to purify the air and inject a little positivity into the space.
If you work in an environment where you’re never in the same place, or always on your feet, you’ll need to be smart. For instance, you could work on staying mindful throughout the day, deep breathing, using affirmations, and encouraging others to do their best at work. Complement those you work with and be an example to people – make them want to do well just like you!
Figure Out How You Can Give Back To People
One of the key ways to make your work mean something again is to figure out how to give back to people. Is there a change you can make that can help you to give more, rather than focusing on what you can take? Perhaps you can give by offering discounts to loyal customers, or even by writing in-depth and helpful blogs to give your audience more information. If you work in an industry where this isn’t an option, such as retail, perhaps you could simply offer somebody a smile and a conversation. It takes nothing, and it’ll brighten up your day somewhat too!
Stay Present In Your Job
It’s all too easy to get carried away with daydreaming while working, wishing we were on holiday or pretty much anywhere else but there. Staying present in your job will help you to become more focused, and happier as a whole. Practicing mindfulness in your day to day life will bring so many benefits!
Choose A Job That Makes A Difference
If you do want a change from your job, then you can start choosing a job you know will make a difference. Of course, you can’t just go out and choose any old job. You need to ask yourself a few questions first:
- How long am I willing to study to make this change?
- What skills do I already have that could help me?
- What interests do I have that support this decision?
- What sort of lifestyle do I want to have?
Choosing a job that makes a difference is a great way of giving back, rather than simply selecting a job you believe will make you the most money. Of course for many important jobs, you will need to train. You may need to look into a master of social work or a nursing degree, depending on what you choose. Here are a few suggestions of jobs that can make a difference to get you started:
- Teacher – shape our future adults!
- Life coach – help people to sort out different areas of their lives!
- Therapist – really get to the root of your client’s issues and use techniques like CBT to overcome them!
- Nurse – help to care for people and nurse them back to health.
- Lawyer – defend people in court.
- Social worker – work with individuals and families to help to improve lives.
There are so many more options depending on what you want to do too!
Make An Individual Connection
A great way to feel like your work means something is to make an individual connection. Actual human interaction is becoming less and less common these days, what with the rise of internet jobs and smartphones taking over our lives. However, it’s important. It keeps us healthy and happy, having a bigger impact on our mental health than we probably feel like. Aim to create a connection with at least one person each week – maybe you could eat your lunch with them rather than eating it alone. Studies have shown that even those who feel they would be happier staying solitary cheer up somewhat after connecting with somebody, even if it was a stranger in a coffee shop!
What will you do to bring more meaning to your work?
