Were you completely fulfilled by your job this week? Did you jump out of bed to get to it?
Some days are better than others. The cold weather we are having makes it tougher, I agree.
Just doing the basics day in day out I find is tiring, draining and downright exhausting. Are you one of the lucky ones who gets to insert your personality into the fruits of your labour?
What does it feel like to love what you do?
Those of you just starting out in your career might need formulaic work to give you a good foundation. But after you’ve got it …where to now?
I need to use my creative juices and inject a lot of me into each and every task to make it fulfilling.
Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Is inspiration more successful than perspiration?
Should your job be just doing what someone else wants you to do?
When I had a boring monotonous work day, I would come home in need of a good foot rub and a large glass of something bubbly. I was desperate to make sure I returned with enough energy to walk the dog, play with my family and enjoy my evening. So I started to look at the ways I could enliven my work situation.
The secret is finding a way to inject your own creativity into getting the job done and done well. Your creative juices are energising.
It really doesn’t matter what job we have. To be creative can mean many things.
We do our best work when we are in our Zone of Awesomeness.
What is the Zone of Awesomeness?
It’s where all our training, skills and imagination match what is being asked of us. We may still be stretched, but that is where we come up with the best ideas and solutions.
This is our value add time.
So what are the signs you have found the Zone…
- You feel you have done your best work.
- You know you have made an impact.
- You stretched yourself and feel confident in your ability.
- You have taken others along on the ride.
- You get recognition for your efforts.
So how do I get in the Zone?
Even with tasks that are not traditionally creative, I use these buzz words to think about how I can value add: how can I put my stamp on this?
- Design; can I make this more palatable to do?
- Develop; is there a better/simpler/faster way to do things?
- Training, can I create procedures or guides on this?
- Editing, can I make this simpler for people?
- Sharing ideas, can I help others do this better?
- Reporting, provide meaningful information to celebrate achievement.
This can be applied to every job that we do. Take a minute to think about your tasks, how can you add your ingenuity to make it great so that you feel a sense of achievement from it? Let your boss know what you are doing and why you are doing it. They won’t say no if they can see the value too.
The most important outcome of being in the Zone is recognition. You will always be energised when your impact is given the kudos it deserves.
Successful people usually have stand out leaders who take the time to recognise your value and achievement. When this is the case – you know you are on a winner. A fulfilling job is one where you are appreciated and everyone knows it. No matter what the job is.
Does your job have you in your Zone of Awesomeness?
I can honestly say my job does now, because I have designed it that way.
If you need more zing in your day, sign up for my eMentor newsletter below where I let you in on my mentoring journey and provide information to help you on your way too.
Share to be inspired, be inspired to share.
