Work is a Constant Presence

Since work is a constant in many lives, envisioning it as something enjoyable rather than a burden can be transformative. Some may question, “Is it truly possible to enjoy work?” The answer is a resounding YES! Many have unearthed this secret—absolutely!

While there are days when working feels burdensome, we can find satisfaction in our jobs by recognizing the myriad benefits that work provides.

On average, individuals retire around the age of 64, meaning many will have worked for over 40 years. Just consider that—over four decades spent in a work environment! However, individual perspectives on work can vary widely.

Some may view their jobs merely as obligations, while others may relish their roles. Enjoyment levels will fluctuate among individuals, often falling between these two extremes.

> “Work is the true elixir of life. The busiest man is the happiest man.” — Theodore Martin 1816–1909

The Benefits of Employment

By gaining a deeper insight into the advantages that work brings into your life, you, too, can learn to appreciate it. How can anyone appreciate their work if they are unaware of the significant benefits it offers? Here are some of those advantages:

• Generating income that provides security for you and your family, including housing, food, health insurance, and other benefits.
• Forming an identity beyond just your name and exploring who you are outside of work.
• Discovering and nurturing a sense of meaning and purpose that enriches life.
• Encountering challenges and opportunities for growth.
• Developing essential life skills.
• Enhancing social and interpersonal abilities.
• Gaining new skills and refining existing ones.
• Building relationships that support you throughout life.
• Learning to connect with others on a deeper level.
• Receiving valuable feedback for personal growth.
• Experiencing respect, recognition, and success.
• Cultivating a sense of belonging and overall well-being.
• Saving for the future and preparing for a more carefree retirement.
• Fostering pride and confidence in your achievements.
• Seizing opportunities for accomplishment.
• Acquiring understanding and wisdom.
• Achieving greater independence.
• Expanding and deepening your life experiences.
• Enjoying better mental and physical health.
• Overall, experiencing greater happiness and joy.

What would you add to this list?

> “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” — Theodore Roosevelt 1858–1919

Cultivating Joy in Your Work

As previously mentioned, the key to discovering joy in your job lies in deepening your understanding of it. But what does this entail? It means developing a genuine appreciation for the opportunity to work, which can lead to immense joy.

> “There can be no joy in living without joy in work.” — Thomas Aquinas 1225–1274

How can you achieve this understanding? Begin by asking yourself, “How do I learn about anything in life?” The answer is by posing the right questions. Start with a bit of self-reflection. Have you ever experienced joy in your work? What did that feel like? If you haven’t, imagine what joy at work would resemble and how it would affect your demeanor.

Exercise Now, let’s embark on a deeper exploration using a simple three-step process. Take your time to consider these questions; don’t rush through them. Journaling your thoughts can enhance this exercise's effectiveness.

Instead of speeding through life, pause to appreciate the positives, particularly regarding your job, which occupies a substantial part of your life.

Follow these steps when you have a moment of quiet to reflect on your responses.

Step 1 — What does joy at work look like? Consider the following questions: - What does joy in my work look like? - Where do I find it? - What activities currently bring me pleasure? - How do I behave in those moments? - How do others perceive me now?

Document your responses. This prepares you for Step 2—creating.

Step 2 — How can I cultivate joy? Reflect on these questions: - What are some ways I can derive joy from my tasks? - How can I foster a positive attitude towards my work? - What can I do to assist others in appreciating their roles? - How can I generate the most value for my company through my work?

The final step is to take action.

Step 3 — What commitments will I make to take action? Consider these questions: - What can I do to maintain a positive and healthy mindset? - What actions can I take now to enhance my upcoming workday? - How else can I find joy in my professional life? - How can I reinforce my commitment to necessary tasks? - What actions will help me become a valued employee? - Who can I involve to help keep me accountable?

A Personal Experience I once found myself in a position of nearly resenting my work due to changes following our company’s acquisition by a larger entity. My frustration was palpable.

Fortunately, having been on the other side of business acquisitions, I understood the frustrations some employees felt during transitions. I chose to remain calm and patient. One evening, while chatting with my wife, Jane, I realized that I had two options to restore balance in my life: adapt or leave. I opted against leaving.

Confronted with this reality, I recognized I could either resist the changes or collaborate with my new environment. This required a significant shift in my perspective. I began to ask myself what I truly desired. Naturally, I wanted to feel valued and to continue creating value as I had before the acquisition.

I revisited the questions from Step 1. What would bring me happiness in my current role? How would my behavior differ?

I understood I could enjoy my work again, but I needed to rediscover pleasure in it. The questions from Step 2 became pivotal as I contemplated changes I could make—not just in my tasks but also in my attitude. I realized I had allowed negativity to creep in and needed to reconnect with my former self.

This led me to Step 3, where I focused on actionable steps. I resolved to help others find value in their work and to encourage them while also working on my own mindset. I was aware of how to generate real value for the company and needed to refocus my efforts immediately.

Before long, I underwent a transformation. Colleagues noticed the change in me, and even those at the corporate headquarters observed my new attitude. Jane supported me through this journey, serving as an accountability partner, which proved invaluable.

Ultimately, everything fell into place better than I could have anticipated. The change originated within me and was independent of the company’s shifts. It was all about my mindset, choices, and actions. I learned that I didn’t need to alter my job to be content; I merely needed to change myself!

Final Reflections

Once you know what you want and how to achieve it, the only thing standing in your way is you. You can cultivate joy in your work, regardless of external circumstances, including challenging bosses or unfavorable environments. The power lies within you. Only you can decide, change your perspective, adjust your attitude, and discover joy in any situation, including work.

If you wish to enhance your enjoyment at work and increase your value as an employee, revisit the list of benefits mentioned earlier. Explore each item until you genuinely appreciate their significance. The transformation in you and the results you produce will be remarkable if you approach this seriously. Why not give it a try?

For those who find solace in prayer, consider this wisdom for your career and life:

> “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” — Jesus Christ c. 7–4BC — c. 30–33 AD

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