Have you ever put together a puzzle? Remember how wonderfully you felt after it was done? Absolute satisfaction, probably. And what about the feeling when you didn’t find the right piece? Emptiness, disappointment and lack of motivation?
Well, life is kind of like a puzzle, except for one little detail: we create the pieces of life on our own. This is true for all aspects of our lives: personal, social and professional.
However, if the first two depend mostly on us, the third part — professional — changes due to external factors. The only way to complete the puzzle is to learn how to deal with them.
In case you would like to enjoy the full life (where all the pieces fit), make use of these simple, but effective tips.
1. Work smarter
The tempo of modern life forces us to work more and more every day. We read that successful people like Margaret Thatcher slept less than 4 hours or that great inventors like Henry Ford worked 18 hours a day. So, it is no wonder that we eventually start thinking it is the only way: if you want to succeed you need to do the same.
You couldn’t be more wrong.
First, we all are different — the fact that it worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. Second, modernity sets the new rules. Today, we work smarter, not longer. More doesn’t mean better.
Practice brainstorming, stand-up meetings, and concentration exercises. Apply new methods to your professional life to start working more effectively.
2. Find time for yourself
Do not spend all day staring at your laptop. Always have lunch outside the office, no exceptions. Your brain needs a break and your body needs to move. Treat them appropriately.
Take breaks. Monotonous work over a long period makes you ineffective. Grab a book, leave your workplace and read a novel you enjoy for 15 minutes. Go outside for a walk. Take a nap.
Yes, you are at work and should work hard, but this is another day of your life as well. So, live it now. The happy worker is the profitable worker.
3. Make a friend
Friends are the mightiest source of energy. Being friends with at least one of your colleagues will make your way to work a pleasant anticipation.
Find a person you are interested in and make a connection. Share your hobbies, tell them about your weekend. Soon, you’ll find yourselves laughing in the kitchen while having your morning coffee. Your friend will support you in difficult situations, actually making them less difficult than they were before.
Don’t be afraid of being sincere. Your colleagues are just like you. Make a move and add some joy to your weekdays.
4. Think about the future
If there is something that bothers you, refocus.
For example, if your boss wants you to take a business trip you don’t like, don’t argue. Instead, change your perspective. Think about the advantages of the trip, like useful connections, fresh thoughts, and the experiences you might have.
Or if you can’t cope with the task you got, don’t panic. Keep trying and think about how it will help build the career you’ve always dreamed of. Think about it will support your goal of becoming a qualified specialist.
‘Everything happens for the best’ are not just words, they are a way to live your life.
5. Get feedback
Doubts are the demons that make you feel insecure about your achievements. They are the reasons you don’t see the point in fighting for your ideas.
Stop making things up and just ask for feedback. Reach an agreement with your boss about monthly meetings during which you can give each other feedback. Your boss will let you know about the results of your work and further expectations, and you will express your thoughts and feelings concerning your work.
In this case, you will know for sure about the real state of affairs and be aware of your perspectives.
Don’t waste your chances to be happy — start making changes now.
Download the eBook and find out what makes people happy to go to work every day and give their best, with real answers from employees across the world.
Image via Stocksnap.io
About the author
Kate Maurice is a freelance copywriter, the creator of online project www.college-writers.com, who is interested in educational problems in modern society and self-improvement techniques. Kate is a typical introvert. You probably find her in a cozy coffee house reading a book or watching people passing by outside.
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