When I talk about creating success at work, I mean looking forward to each day; enjoying the majority of what you do; and feeling optimistic and positive about your career and its growth. All of the other material success will usually stem from these core elements. If you get the equation right, the sum will usually pan out.
It may seem like some people just ‘have it’ when it comes to having a happy, successful working life that they enjoy. However, just like success in life, there is nothing ingrained or guaranteed about it. It’s what you do on a daily basis, how you persist, and the habits that you create for yourself, that counts.
Having experienced both situations where I have loved my work and thereby felt very successful in a role, and conversely I have also felt the opposite, I’ve noticed some parallels that occur in roles that I have enjoyed, in contrast with roles that I haven’t. When you enjoy a role, you tend to thrive in it. It’s the rule of the universe – when you’re happier, things get better and you attract more of the good stuff. When you’re unhappy, everything seems to get worse and worse, and you attract negativity into your life. We’re all made up of energy, and we’re all human, so it makes sense.
The key elements that I’ve found to create success, or enjoyment, at work are as follows. (There are plenty more, but too much for the scope of this post! If you have additional thoughts and comments, we’d love to hear them below).
Be confident that you are adding value in your role
Roles are as good as we make them, and what you bring to the role is ultimately how much satisfaction you will draw from it. People that are constantly looking for ways to add value in their roles tend to do better. Ask questions like, how can this be done more efficiently? How can I put in that little bit extra to make it a favourable outcome? How can I ensure others around me are comfortable that everything is on track with what I am doing – is there an update or an overview I can provide? How can I improve on this? How can I prioritise what will get more efficient and better results, rather than simply keep things the way they are?
These types of questions take you to the next level of performance, and it will get noticed. (As an aside, just be aware that it’s about your role and actions – not anyone else’s. Use your judgment as to whether you are stepping on anyone else’s toes, so to speak. Remember – you’re not criticising current processes; merely making observations to improve your role and activities as they change and evolve).
Knowing that you are adding value in your role also enables you to feel more comfortable and confident within it. Confidence is one of the keys to success.
Be optimistic
People enjoy working with happy, optimistic people. Never let the significance of this slip by you. It’s fine to have days where you feel better than others but utilise the other resources in your life to deal with this, rather than taking it out on your day job.
This is part of why it’s so important to have wellbeing practices and a network of people you can rely on in place – and why I talk so much about health and friendships on Daily Inspiration Board!
Feel and express gratitude
This is also true in life. If you feel gratitude for your role, and for the environment that you get to work in every day and the people you get to see, it will be much easier to enjoy the work that you do. Conversely, if you’re hating on everything it can be hard to feel positive about your work. Look for things that you can be grateful for each day – write them down in your gratitude journal! (It’s an excellent idea to keep one, if you’ve not already).
Respect those around you
Even if you wouldn’t be friends with them outside of work (even better if you would), treat others with the respect that you would like to receive. Remember that negative thoughts and energy just comes back on you, so find good things about people and be empathetic. You never know what people are going through in life. Of course, if you’re in a bullying situation then that’s different – you need to seek support elsewhere. Start with this fact sheet from the Australian Human Rights Commission for more information, and what you can do about it.
Don’t let a bad day make you feel bad about yourself
I’m sure we’ve all read this quote somewhere and it’s so true – yet hard to do. Try not to let knocks impact your confidence. There will always be day-to-day frustrations that everyone has to deal with in their roles. Implement positive work-life habits and wellbeing practices and you will be far better placed to manage these situations and step back from them without letting them impact you too much, or create high levels of stress. Practices including yoga, meditation, any form of exercise, maintaining friendships and relationships outside of work, eating well and limiting toxin intake (such as alcohol), and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night will help you to not only manage this element of work, but prosper.
What do you think makes a person successful at work?
