Harmony on the Job:
Creating Joy and Meaning in Your Work

If you suddenly became independently wealthy, would you continue working? In a recent survey conducted at the University of Massachusetts, an overwhelming 8 out of 10 people said “YES!” This tells me that meaningful work is necessary for purposeful living, because work is an extension of who we are. But what this survey failed to report, and what I would love to ask, is would those individuals continue working at their current jobs? My hunch would be that they would answer with a resounding NO. Why? Take a peek at some additional research I uncovered:

If you are unhappy in the work you do, it drains you of energy and builds a negative attitude that infects everything else you do. Peter Senge said: “People shouldn’t have to leave their jobs to find one that’s more meaningful. Many can find meaning if they just think about their jobs differently.” So let’s look at how we can do that.

Here are five tools to help you think about your job differently, and discover joy and meaning in the work you do.

1. Focus on the Positive
No matter what job you are doing right now, make a conscious choice to enjoy it more. Begin to focus on the specific parts of your job that bring you joy. What skills do you have an opportunity to use? How are you contributing to helping others, and bringing joy and harmony into your workplace? As you change your focus to emphasize the positive, you will discover that your job takes on a whole new dimension—and you take on a new radiance.

3. Create a “Stress-Free Zone”
Designate a specific area to be a “Stress-Free Zone.” When you are there, no one can interrupt you or disturb you. A few of my client companies allow employees to design their own zones, with permission to spend a maximum of 15 minutes there at their own discretion. One area had a small rug, a rocking chair, and a CD player with headphones. Another had a hammock stretched kitty-cornered, with a fake palm tree, magazines, and a small refrigerator. Another company set up a miniature golf course in the hallway and through the cubicles—after hours, of course. What’s interesting is that nowhere that this idea is used has it been abused by employees. So—set up your Stress-Free Zone, and take time out to relax!

5. Rewrite Your Vocabulary
Throw these two phrases out of your vocabulary: “It’s not my job” and “I’m just a…” Both these phrases demean your skills and abilities, and put you in a defensive position. Recognize that you are a powerful individual with an amazing amount of knowledge, and no matter what your job title, you have tremendous opportunities to share your skills and help others. Appreciate who you are and what you know!

As you put these five ideas into action, you will experience an immediate uplifting in your work environment. As you take the initiative to find joy and meaning in your work, you will attract new people, exciting opportunities, and positive joy into your professional life.