Five Ways to be Happier at Work

You have probably heard the saying: “happiness is a choice.” Most people have more than one reason why they might choose to be unhappy with their job, employer, career or personal life. Conversely, when you see people who appear happy and content, typically these people are also successful in life.

Here are some suggestions on what many consider the most effective ways to be happy with your job. These simple tips may also help to energize your career in the long term.

1. Find something you like about your current job every day. Whether you are at the onset of your career or perceive to be held up in a position that is unfulfilling, decide to identify something that you like, even adore, about your current position every day. Doing even one thing you love on your job consistently often has a carry-over effect. You may start feeling more energized while performing some of your other job duties that do not typically excite you. Having one or more responsibilities that do challenge you will often start to lessen the perceived mundane nature of your other duties.
   
   
2. Avoid all forms of negativity at work. This recommendation can be difficult at first, but with a little repetition, it can become a very positive and rewarding habit. Concentrate on staying positive and do not participate in the negativity of others. Deliberately walk away from those espousing negative dialogue about their jobs, your employer or any other tasks you’re working on. Surround yourself with only positive thoughts and language. Your “happiness” factor with your job will improve measurably.
   
   
3. Take, or stay in, control of your professional development and improvement. Should you be fortunate enough to work for a company that values training, education and staff mentoring, use these opportunities to the maximum. If you feel that your employer is not doing enough in this area, don’t complain about it; do something. If you are timid about this, ask yourself one simple question. “Who has the most to gain or lose from professional development activities – or the lack thereof?” Should your employer-sponsored professional development programs be lacking, be proactive and continue on your own. You will feel good about yourself and enjoy the rewards of an ever-more successful career.
   
   
4. Be persistent about receiving regular feedback. Unfortunately, even senior managers are sometimes lax with providing regular, consistent feedback to their team members. Yet, getting up-to-the minute feedback from your supervisors is a critical component to your job satisfaction. Even if you’ve had a “bad” day, receiving this feedback gives you an immediate opportunity to return to the positive side of the equation tomorrow. Getting that positive feedback will enhance your satisfaction with your job. There is really no downside to being the recipient of consistent oral evaluation and feedback from your supervisors. Once again, though, be prepared to be proactive. If constructive criticism or praise is not forthcoming, directly ask for it. You’ll be much happier if you do.
   
   
5. Only make commitments and promises that you can keep. Sometimes, employees become so positive and motivated to excel that they make commitments to achieve work goals that are too optimistic. This can be a recipe for problems. If you convince your supervisor you can complete a task or project by a firm date you already know is a reach, missing your chosen target often causes dissatisfaction with your manager and yourself. To increase your happiness factor, make commitments and promises that are reasonable and manageable. Completing these projects on time pleases management and gives you a wonderful level of achievement. Should you reach your objective in advance of the promised date, you’ll be even more pleased with yourself.

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