Executive Coach & Business Mentor in Washington DC & Alexandria VA

5 Ways to Make your Day More Meaningful

2/28/2016

My last blog post, Live More Passionately, offered some ideas for incorporating more passion in the life you lead. A few readers asked for more concrete changes that one could pursue. Some people have asked me how they're supposed to thrive in what seems like a "dead-end" job. Others have mentioned how hard it is to cope in a job that has nothing to do with their passion. Here's the hard truth: You have the power to change everything - you have to start with your own energy first!

According to some studies, nearly two thirds of Americans are dissatisfied at work. It's up to you to make your work worth doing!! Whether you work in a hospital or a government building, you can make your job more meaningful. Take a look at these 5 ideas for putting more purpose into your job.

Serving Others:

1. Help your coworkers. Our relationships with our colleagues play a big role in our happiness at work. Pitch in with assembling press packages or proofreading the annual report. Share your lunch when your colleague is stuck on a conference call during lunch.

2. Create a great customer experience. You can brighten someone's day by going the extra mile to help them feel valued through your interaction. Take time to answer their questions and point out helpful features. Thank them warmly for doing business with you.

3. Advance the organizational mission. If your employer benefits society, you can find gratification in being part of the team. Maybe you raise awareness about lung cancer or design safer cars.

Develop Your Talents:

1. Strengthen your communication skills. Communicating effectively is a requirement for almost any job. Ask for feedback about how you come across in writing and in person.

2. Practice your leadership skills. Strategic thinking and positively influencing others are valuable traits at every stage in your career. Welcome projects that give you a chance to rehearse for future challenges.

3. Pursue education. Take advantage of opportunities for life-long learning. Study a foreign language or master a new software application.

Express Your Creativity:

1. Upgrade your presentations. Make the most of your reporting responsibilities. Impress your supervisor with a multimedia presentation and compelling graphics when they ask you to do something simple like research recycling vendors or conference venues.

2. Start an ambiance committee. Suggest forming a committee to make suggestions on how to add visual stimulus in the office. Coordinate a company-wide cleanup day. Attractive and neat surroundings aid in productivity and morale.

3. Share your hobby. Welcome your passions into the workplace. You could bring in flowers or vegetables from your garden or take photographs at special events.

Share Your Joy:

1. Plan a party. Organize birthday parties for the people in your department. Offer a surprise homemade snack to celebrate "National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day".

2. Promote good health. Encourage friendships and fitness. Put together a company softball team. Negotiate a group discount at a local gym.

3. Look at the funny side of things. Search for the humor in any situation. Look forward to the customers who bring in pictures of their kids' Halloween costumes.

Chart a New Course:

1. Network extensively. Even if you believe it's time to look for a different position, you can still use your time constructively. Try to make more contacts with those who can help you advance your career. Attend meetings and volunteer at the nearest chapter of your professional association. Invite people out to lunch and send them articles they might be interested in. Start reaching out!

2. Document your accomplishments. Record career achievements that will sound impressive on your resume. Adding value during your last days on the job will keep you motivated and energized.

3. Facilitate the transition. Remind yourself of what you like about your job and why you're grateful to your current employer. Try to create a smooth transition for your successor while you seek out your passion and purpose by starting a new job or returning to school.

While you will probably need your boss to approve a raise or a bigger office, there are some adjustments you can make on your own. Even trivial tasks feel significant when you understand why you're doing them. Feeling more content at work will reduce stress and add more meaning to your life.

Please comment and share your thoughts. How do you make work more meaningful? How do you connect with your passion on a daily basis?

Comments

Live More Passionately

2/21/2016

I admit it - I am a passionate person. Deep within, I have a burning desire to thrive. I listen to my inner voice and let it guide me. I realize that my greatest successes come when I embrace my passions.

Each day I set aside time to look within myself and explore the world of my inner space. Little by little, I incorporate my true passions into my daily routine. I seek guidance from my inner self on how to incorporate my passion into each day.

Here's how you can start:

Aim to work more joyously and efficiently. Bask in the joy of acknowledging your desires during your day-to-day activities. Know that you can live any way you want if you set your mind to it. You are a powerful creator.
The act of pursuing your dreams will propel you forward. Once you set a goal, nothing can stop you from achieving it. Your life reflects your commitment to your true self.
As you face life’s challenges, take comfort in knowing that you are pursuing what you desire most. As you become more committed to pursuing your passion, life will become easier.

When you move towards your true calling, you’ll probably feel a great weight lifted from your shoulders. Today, choose to awaken the spark within. Acknowledge what you truly want to do, be, and have. Say yes to success, and step toward the life you know you deserve. When your passion motivates you, know that you can achieve anything.

Give A Little To Get A Lot

2/14/2016

Comments

I am compelled to sacrifice trivial exploits when I know I have pressing matters to attend to. I constantly remind myself that there are more important things in need of my time. I know that once I am done, I can focus on the lighter side of life.

Significant achievements inspire me to go after even bigger challenges. When I am working, I create a list of priorities. I place the greatest importance on the tasks that make the greatest impact. That way, my successes keep me moving forward.

I take time to rejuvenate my mind as I work on my goals. This re-energizes me so I can take on new tasks with the same fervor.
Although there are many things I want for myself, my focus is on the well-being and happiness of my family members. When I consider the needs of my family, prioritizing is easy. I know I can return to my own desires after I take care of them.
I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I make sacrifices. The feeling of satisfaction is incomparable. When I choose to sacrifice something today, I know it is to allow for a better tomorrow.

Understand that sacrifices exist to teach you how to be patient and focused on your higher callings. The lessons you learn are more profound when you allow yourself to make necessary sacrifices for others.

LACE for Life Questions:

1.    What things do you have to sacrifice to realize your strongest desires?

2.    How do you handle sacrifices that impact your relationships with others?

3.    When have you made a sacrifice that turned out to be harmful?

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The Power of a Positive Attitude

2/7/2016

Comments

I don't gamble, I always win! I have the mindset of a winner. My life is something to celebrate. I know that regardless of the outcome of a situation, my victory is based on an optimistic outlook. When I am faced with challenges, I choose to approach them with unwavering confidence.

I confront situations knowing that I am a strong, capable person. This attitude allows me to do my best, every time. My view of success is more than just being the first one across the finish line. It comes from making the most of the entire experience.

Challenges are an opportunity for learning. I can assess my weaknesses and work on minimizing them. I acknowledge my mis-steps and develop strategies to avoid them in the future.
I continually strive to sharpen my skills and cultivate a more positive attitude. Consistently thinking in this way connects my intentions with my actions.
Second chances are a great time for me to show improvement. I perform better each time I try again without fear of the outcome. I know I am an achiever, even if I have to make multiple attempts. I do not quit!

Our place in this world is best served through ongoing self-development. You can choose to believe in yourself, and to approach each day and each challenge with confidence. Smile at the beginning of the day because you're excited about the chance to learn something new. Smile at the end of each day because you have fully embraced the experience.

LACE for Life Questions:

1.    In what situations are you less confident than usual?

2.    What techniques can you use to embrace a winning mindset?

3.    How can you turn a loss into a win?

Comments

Blog & Mind-Flow

5 Ways to Make your Day More Meaningful

Share Your Thoughts!!

Live More Passionately

Share your thoughts

Give A Little To Get A Lot

The Power of a Positive Attitude

About the Author

Archives

Categories

​Blog & Mind-Flow

5 Ways to Make your Day More Meaningful

Share Your Thoughts!!

Live More Passionately

Share your thoughts

Give A Little To Get A Lot

The Power of a Positive Attitude

About the Author

Archives

Categories

Blog & Mind-Flow