The honeymoon is over. You've settled into your new place, routine has set in, and you're starting to realize this marriage
thing isn't exactly how you dreamed it would be. Sound familiar? There's one hitch: The love affair we're talking about is
the relationship you used to have with your job. Are you ready to rediscover your passion for your work?
OK, let's be honest, it's hard to keep a job exciting, or even tolerable. So my goal is to give you easy tools to create satisfying
workdays and learn to love your work again.
Christiane Holbrook
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Now some of you are thinking your workplace is the problem. And it's true that there are some workplaces where mismanagement
or a negative atmosphere make work unbearable. But for the most part, where you are today is just where you're supposed to
be.
So let's start by adjusting your expectations. You won't find a formula that transforms your boss into a saint or turns long
hours into short minutes. A more realistic solution is to spend a little time in self-reflection and realize that your job
is only as interesting as what you contribute to it. As you grow, your work grows. Sorry, no magic pill; just the truth. But I can offer you a little something to help the truth pill go down easier—a love
potion to help you grow in your job and rekindle your enthusiasm:
balance + focus + purpose + relationships = A GREAT LIFE
Imagine yourself in a boat on the ocean, setting sail for a beautiful tropical island. Even if you've never sailed before
you know that the sails alone won't get you there. You need a rudder to give you direction. Once you put the rudder down,
you can steer in the direction you want to go.
Without the rudder, the boat floats in a circle, at risk of toppling over with every wave that hits. And you'll never get
to your destination. So, to live a great life, you need a rudder. Use these steps to find your rudder and plot your course.
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1. Live in balance
Recognize the real problem
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Balance requires regular attention to four areas of your life: your body, mind, heart, and soul. If you aren't eating right,
sleeping enough, and getting enough downtime and exercise, even the most exciting work will lose its luster fast. Yes, you
could live off adrenaline for a few days but then you would get tired, lose concentration, and feel drained.
The same holds true for your mind. Without intellectual stimulation, boredom sets in. Why do you think washing the dishes
is so boring? Because there's nothing new to learn about this task. Yet I bet there are areas within your work that you haven't
explored. For example, if you commit to reading only one book a month on a subject that relates to your work, your peers will
undoubtedly look to you for your expertise.
Once you've put your body and mind on the treadmill, it's time to give your heart a workout by cultivating close friendships.
We all know how difficult it can be to stay connected with people in this fast-paced life. Yet we've all received that special
card from someone we care about that made our day. Nourish your friendships and you'll feel connected, cared for, and ready
to bring your best to your work.
The final piece in your rebalancing act is connecting with your spiritual side. No, this isn't about going to church necessarily.
This is about time alone, spent in silence.
Our desire to surround ourselves with radio, music, podcasts, and television is so ingrained that we often forget to get away.
So try turning off the radio in the car for 10 minutes, going without television for one night, or taking a walk without your
iPod, so you can listen to your inner self. You will hear the truth. Listening to the truth will be one of your most powerful
aids to help you make important life decisions.
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