365 Ways to Live Happy (21 page)
Do you love pulling together data for your company's due diligence binders, working on payroll and reconciling the bank statements, writing press releases, researching, or working on the company website? Let your boss know what tasks you especially like. It's possible that just by letting your preferences be known that you will get more of that kind of work. And if you really like doing those tasks, you are probably happier and enthusiastic while at work. Those feelings can spread around the office. Just imagine if everyone is doing what they most like to do. Start an “I love my job” campaign. Get everyone on board.
When a job or project is too big for one brain and one set of hands, it's a good idea to delegate. If you're not a manager and this isn't your job, speak to your manager about it. The dictionary says that the word “delegate” means to entrust or hand over to another. When your workload is lighter, you can focus more intently on every aspect of your job and most likely do it better than when you were overloaded. Think of three tasks that you could easily hand off to someone else equally qualified to do them, and let him go to work. Allowing that person to honor you by doing the job to the best of his ability means that you won't micromanage him. Trust him and give him time to do his best work. Then, everyone will benefit.
How do you feel at the end of a typical workday? If you often feel drained, totally stressed out, and in a bad mood, try to find a few moments throughout the day to de-stress and relax. Some people find that a quick cat nap or a half-hour power nap over lunch can push away fatigue and re-energize them. Others swear that a brisk walk when they can practice mindfulness and deep breathing is equally beneficial for banishing stress and helping them to refocus. Try getting in a little workout going up and down some stairs. Step outside for fresh air and sunlight. Sit somewhere for five minutes and close your eyes. Just breathe in an out, mindful of the breaths. Feel relaxed.
If you can't find the most recent due diligence binder, the latest industry trade magazine with a profile of your boss, or timely reference books that you need to complete a project, consider volunteering to establish a library for your business. Not only will it benefit others in your company, but it could be a career booster for you, especially if you not only brainstormed the idea but also got it approved and have sacrificed some personal time to spearhead the project. Your initiative and foresight most likely will set you apart as a visionary with a can-do attitude, the type of individual that many companies like to recruit and retain.
Purchase a pocketbook-size calendar and keep track of coworkers' birthdays. It means a lot to people when others remember their birthdays. You don't have to have an elaborate celebration; a card that everyone signs can be just as meaningful. The point isn't really that you got them a card or a cake but rather that you and your coworkers took the time to keep track and then to pay homage. Spreading around a little celebratory happiness on birthdays does wonders for office morale. Try it and see for yourself.
If you hope to land a special project, consider asking your boss to assign you. Be clear in your communication. Tell your boss why you believe you are precisely the right person for that job. Go beyond your qualifications and also mention why you would feel more passionate about it than other equally qualified individuals. If your boss passes over you and gives that special assignment that you covet to someone else, be a good sport. Congratulate the other person and offer your help in the event he or she might need or welcome it. That way, you both can enjoy the project.
If you have to play mind games to psych yourself up to go to work, it might be time to think about changing jobs. Conversely, if you like your work but wished you could enjoy it more, think of one new activity or ritual that you could do each week to create a more harmonious, happier, and more productive work life. For example, maybe you are the type to hit the ground running every morning. Instead of starting to work on your many projects the minute you arrive at the office, consider starting your day differently. Listen to some music. Spend a few minutes of deep breathing while you concentrate on feelings of being happy, relaxed but focused, prepared, and centered. Shaking up your routine to feel happier can be a good thing.
Can't remember coworkers' birthdays, the date of your company office party, the timing of the arrival of a team from out-of-state, or when you last ran a full security scan on your office computer? Many people don't take full advantage of the built-in features of their computers or those that their company provides. Take advantage of the sophisticated programming already in your computer or software to manage appointments and contacts using the personal information manager (PIM feature). Most computers also offer a powerful and easy-to-use filing system so that you can even work in a paperless environment. If you seek a higher profile in your workplace, there's an easy way to accomplish that. When you know where things are all the time or how to retrieve them in a mouse click or two, you might just get bragging rights to being the new “go-to person” for the entire office.
You know you are good. But can you articulate succinctly and persuasively why you should be promoted? If not, try writing down three good reasons why you deserve a promotion. After you have requested a private meeting with your boss, let her know you understand she's a busy person. Instead of making small talk, get directly to the point. Let her know that you enjoy working for the company. Focus on the quality and quantity of your work. Tell your boss the three reasons why you should be promoted to a new job. Know what the new job will entail and be able to share details of what qualifies you to perform the tasks expected in the new job. Explain you'll happily take new training and are eager to accept new responsibilities.