How to Approach Work

Work is a part of your life and for most of us it is what you spend the most time doing every day, week, month and year.  What does this mean?  If you are happy and motivated then it is a good place.  If it truly is work or a job, then something needs to happen – make it better or have a goal of finding something better.

 

Work is a huge stress on anyone and the stress often carries over to other parts of a person’s life.  Here are a few things to consider.

 

  ○  Be inspired – Enjoying your work is critical, not only to your happiness but also to your success.  If you are not happy now, become inspired.  What are you able to do to make an improvement, to challenge yourself or to step outside of your comfort zone.  Maybe a bit cliché but you will be surprised of what you are capable of doing.

 

  ○  Dress for success – As the saying goes, “dress for the position you want, not the position you have.”  This always resonated with me.  Look at your manager and your managers peers, how do they dress?  Look up the hierarchy in the company and see how each person dresses and what position they have.  This could be eye opening.

 

  ○  Network – For some of us, meeting someone new or introducing yourself is not the most comfortable activity.  This maybe very beneficial in the long-term though.  Have you ever played “6 degrees of Kevin Bacon?”  Networking is exactly like that, everyone knows someone and your network will spread into areas you never imagined and potentially open possibilities for you.

 

  ○  Keep it professional – This is not about not having fun but watch what you do.  Do you have an account with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or any other professional/social networking site?  Companies are able to view this so be cautious of what you write and/or display.  That picture of you drinking with your friends… is it needed?  Sure, they are funny to you and your friends but what about a potential employer.

 

Just think a little more long term and good things happen.