9 Bold Tips to Work Place Happiness
Sunday, December 6th, 2009
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Tess Marshall of The Bold Life.
According Deepak Chopra, a senior scientist for the Gallop poll:
29% of employed people in the U.S. are happy, passionate and take interest in their work. They are passionate and have a sense of belonging.
56% of employed people in U.S. are disengaged and sleep walking through their workday.
15% of employed people are actively disengaged, unhappy and make others unhappy as well.
If you aren’t in the top 29% of the people happy at work the following suggestions can help if implemented:
Attitude
Expect positive outcomes. Establish a sense of reverence and appreciation for your company, co-workers and work. I worked in a prison as a psychologist for one year. Anyone whose crime was related to alcohol/drugs attended my group therapy sessions. Without respect for the prisoners, guards and probation officers I wouldn’t have been effective. They were the most important people in my world when I was with them. I had their respect because I respected them. When you give what you want to gain, you can’t lose.
Meditate
Take time to sit in silence. It will create calmness when you are in the hot seat! I learned to do this as a therapist. I would get quiet and ask for guidance 10 minutes prior to seeing a client. I do the same for coaching, speaking and writing. I also meditate with my husband every morning. When we miss a day or two we are more impatient and less loving. It has been proven that meditation is the most effective activity one can do for personal and spiritual growth. My friend believes meditating twice a day for twenty minutes will eventually cure any addiction.
Develop bounce-back muscles
Learn to be resilient. You may have experienced the loss of a position or income due to the economy. Or you may be expected to do more with less. When things happen that aren’t in your control you have an opportunity to reevaluate the situation, take necessary action steps and move on. Think back to all of the previous times you’ve not only bounced back but bounced ahead. You have solved all your problems in the past and you will continue to do so in the future!
When you are tempted to sit on the pity pot repeat to yourself: “No big deal, I can let that go. I don’t have to make this mean so much.” Most things aren’t as serious as we make them out to be. From this you will gain strength.
Lighten up
Learn to laugh, smile and create fun for yourself and others. I was often referred to as a “spark plug” because of my happy laughter. Happy people create fun and laughter where ever they go. At one work place, my friends all wore black on my final day. They surprised me with a black outfit as well. They literally laughed me out the door with memories for a lifetime!
A fun attitude carries us through difficult times. Release your concerns about tomorrow and live for today. Face the world boldly. Live. Laugh. Be happy for no reason. The health of a workplace can be determined by the amount of laughter.
Devote yourself to the work you’ve been given and let go of the outcome
Every coach wants their clients to achieve their dreams. Yet we are only one variable in the outcome. They client has to do the work and one’s attitude and timing have to be right. The correct opportunities need to fall into place. My happiness cannot depend on their outcome. I don’t have that much power. It’s narcissistic and egotistical to think I do.
Gratitude
It’s important to consciously acknowledge all of the wonder and beauty pertaining to our employment. For example, I’ve learned to become grateful for coffee, office space, the heat or air conditioning, my computer, ink and sticky notes. Also worthy of appreciation are gifts of insight, intuition, creativity and productivity. I also include my love and compassion for my clients who have chosen to work with me when there are millions of others just as capable. If you aren’t self-employed I would encourage you to express gratitude for your employer and your co-workers. Feeling blessed and expressing gratitude draws more blessings to all.
Give up judgment
Go twice the mile and forgive seventy times seven. I used to share a building with 10 therapists. Two of the men and I had completely different styles. I often felt disrespected by both. I would do everything I could to remain centered through out the day. I learned I could accept them without agreeing with them. I would keep a journal and ask the question, “What are they here to teach me?” My focus then becomes my focus. It’s never about the other person. Remember nothing can disturb you unless you allow it.
Reduce stress
Stress doesn’t come from what is happening at work. It comes from how we interpret what’s happening. Stress causes weight gain, addiction, anxiety etc. Be engaged. Live in the present, savor the moment and remain in the flow. When you’re stressed ask yourself, “How can I see this differently?”
Another tool for stress reduction is to prioritize daily. Do the three most important things on your list and let the rest go.
I also hang up positive reminders like photos, cards and other mementos on the wall above my desk. 15 years ago I framed a photo of our newly purchased cottage and hung it where I could see it. On my difficult days I would look at it and remind myself how blessed I was to have a job that helped us to purchase it. Today my photos are of my grandchildren enjoying summer vacations at that same cottage.
Celebrate life
Even when it is complicated and difficult. The first sentence in the book by Scott Peck, “The road less traveled is: “Life is difficult.” Tragedy and loss happen to everyone.
Christopher Reeve is my personal example of a hero. In spite of losing his most basic freedom–the freedom to move–he continued to juggle his acting and directing careers, his political activism, his foundation and his role as a husband and father. He did this while undergoing intense physical therapy to maintain his health.
He had a vision. He had an “in spite of” attitude. He rose above his paralysis, doubt and fear. The question for me becomes, “Am I willing to do what it takes?”
When life becomes difficult, focus on your blessings and your strengths. Envision only the best for yourself and your place of employment. See the best possible outcome for your work or project. Create excitement about your future. There are infinite opportunities all around you. Ask yourself, “How can you take possession of them?”
You can read more from Tess Marshal over at The Bold Life. Warning! Her blog will challenge you to be more, give more, live fearlessly, take more chances and show up in the world unstoppable, daring and bold.
* Are you on Twitter? Then check me out at @workhappynow. I give stress relief tips, happiness ideas, and cool quotes that save the day.
* Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project has a cool interview “Running, Blogging, Taking Risks — and Watching ‘The Devil Wears Prada.‘” Anyone that talks about the importance of loving what you do gets an A+ in my book.
If you enjoyed this post then you will probably like this one too:
Hey Karl! Hey, Tess, that’s really you up there with Christopher Reeves, right? When did you meet him?
I am grateful for my fingers, my arms, my legs, my brain, my clothes, my heater, my food, my drinks, m ypeeps, my pretty-much everything.
And what do you think those two, um “contrary” therapists taught you, Tess?
Here’s hoping this post will motivate some of those 56% and 15% group into the top bracket!
Awesome post, Tess! It’s great to see you guest posting on this site and offering such wonderful advice. Thank you!
Most days, I don’t like my job. Not in the “I hate my job cause I work to hard” kind of way, but in the “I can’t believe I’ve resorted to this for a living and that people actually let their lives revolve around this selfish outcome voluntarily.” These tips are most helpful. I do what a monkey could do but throwing myself into it and doing it the best possible way a monkey could do it is what gets me through the day.
Bounce-back muscles is a good focus and good way to put it.
It implies skills and abilities that get better the more you flex them.
Hey Karl,
What a super guest you have here today!
Tess,
I love the attitude you take toward life in general, and here today – about work life in particular. Reading this reminded me of a moment from this weekend, when I was talking with a friend while we were at a basketball game. She was telling me how the place she works at keeps the temperature at 62 degrees in the winter – so she had just bought some gloves to wear at work. At that very moment, I was feeling very grateful for the place I work at, and how flexible and comfortable the work environment is…something I really haven’t thought much about in the past. There is so much for us to be grateful for…things we take for granted. Today I’m going to focus on seeing the wonder and beauty in the normal day to day…and show gratitude for all of it!
And I love the photo!!
Jannie,
Yes that’s me. My family and I met him in 2001. A friend of mine who invited him to speak at an event included us in the invites. It was one of the most inspiring times of my life. He put so much effort into his work, foundation,healing and family. A true role model for all.
Dani,
Your welcome. Thanks for stopping by!
Brandi,
I’m wondering what you do? It’s good you found a way to get through it. I hope you find a way to leave it and begin what truely makes you happy. Because your happiness matters!
J.D. that’s exactly what I mean. You are wise and insightful.
Lance,
Great atitude. You just reminded of a a place where I worked (in the basement). It had space heaters and I sometimes wore my coat and gloves:) I had so much fun with one other therapist it didn’t really matter. When you’re happy warmth fills your heart.
Jannie,
I fogot your guestion. What did those 2 therapists teach me? Well it was a little amazing. Including me there were 9 other therapists in that building. We shared the administration staff and there were Monday staff meeting that were’nt reguired but everyone attended them.
Without going in to a lot of detail one day I took out my journal and wrote down their 9 names and what bugged me about each of them. (Some didn’t bother me at all.)
What I realized is the ten of us represented my nine siblings and myself. And each therapist I was having issues with was bringing up something unhealed with a particular sibling.
I shared an office with a younger woman who I enjoyed so much we taught workshops together. I would get so angry because she never backed me up at a meeting. I realized she was exactly like a sister I shared a bedroom with growing up. Totally loved each other however she never would stick up for me. It was uncanny that they both were younger and even had blonde hair. I felt abandoned by her as a kid like Karen at work at those meetings.
After I figured it all out I went to a therapist and she did some experiential therapy with me over the two male therapists where I was really stuck.
After that I could see how “the stuff” going on wasn’t about me. They were there to help me heal my past and love unconditionally. I would then silently bless them instead of letting them bother me and let the rest go.
This wasn’t easy in the beginning but I became so peaceful and confident I stopped going to the staff meetings because they were’nt madatory. I was the only one to ever do that. It helped me take my power back. It also took me away from their negative energy. Everyone hated those meetings I was the only one to stop talking about hating them and quit going.
I knew as soon as I learned my lessons I would leave. Which I did. I had a friend who was a lawyer and had an empty office. He rented it to me for very little. My clients followed me.
Wow, absolutely fantastic! I think I may send this to my former boss who is currently dealing with the debilitating stress of our country’s economic decline, increased responsibilities in running the northeast portion of his company’s business, and a pay cut to help protect his more than 100 employees. (This guy puts himself on the line first — he’s like a fearless warrior.)
Your tips here are fantastic and so many of them made me nod my head in agreement. The laughter thing really spoke to me, because I think you’re right: laughter dictates how healthy or unhealthy any environment is. Laughter is a sign of balance, well-being, and a buoyant heart. I remember traveling to our company’s corporate headquarters for the first time and while the building was stunning, there was silence inside. 120 people and you could have heard a pin drop from one end of the place to the other. On the contrary, I worked in an office back east that was FULL of laughter. It felt like home, and I loved being there for that reason.
And no matter how many times I see instructions to meditate regularly, it’s never enough. Please keep spreading that message, especially with such poignant opinions as that of your friend: meditation twice daily for 20 minutes can alleviate addictions.
I’m going to get myself into a quiet place and meditate right now!
Tess, thank you!
Karl, thank you!
PS – Tess, do you get frequent blogger miles for all the tours you’ve been making recently?!! (wink)
Hi Karl – thank you for having Tess over here as a guest author!
Tess – fantastic collection of thoughts, ideas and advice to get into that 29%! This message and all you have said can never be said enough, as Megan above also noted.
Thank you so much for bringing such quality material out there and helping more people regain their birthright – happiness!
Hi Tess and Karl,
It’s not a secret I don’t love my job. I’ve been working on my exit strategy for a few years, but only since April of this year did I attain the clarity and focus of thought to channel my energy into making my exit strategy REAL.
Until the pieces are firmly in place, I continue to do what I love outside the hours of 9-5 to make my dream reality my new reality.
Until then, an attitude of gratitude is my biggest savior during 9-5.
Love you Tess!
Thanks Karl!
Peggy
Karl — What a perfect guest host you picked! If anyone can talk about staying positive in a workplace, Tess has got it down.
Tess — Wow. You got to meet Christopher Reeves…so cool:~) As usual, all your suggestions were great. My favorites were Lighten Up and Celebrate Life…I think they apply any where, any time and any place. Thanks for these great ideas:~)
Hi Tess and Karl ..
This is great .. and just adds to your story Tess – the more we learn, the more appreciate we you – that concentration attitude in prison resonates with me.
Life is full of ups and downs, live high and bounce back from the lows. I love your story of the little black dress .. I bet it’s brought you loads of laughter since telling the story.
We should all do our best at whichever work we do – you’re so right.
Your seven tips are really relevant to this time of year .. and it must have been such an honour to have met someone like Christopher Reeve, who had taken that extra step and kept their positive attitude .. when my Ma and I talk about why is her situation happening to us .. I show her the bright side and explain as best I can the fact that we have benefitted so much by being together through it. For myself .. I have to say – that it must have happened to teach me a whole load of things (as my Ma really doesn’t deserve this end to an already relatively difficult life .. so I learn as we go and count the blessings I can see:. By the way – how is your mother? I think about you both …
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Nice post here, Tess. Your idea about hanging up positive reminders is a good one. I think one reason we allow so much stress into our lives is that we take ourselves way too seriously. That old adage, “Will this matter five years from now?” is something we need to ask ourselves regularly. I have a collection of fun toys and cereal box prizes all around my workspace. I’ve found that they serve as good reminders to not take myself too seriously. It’s awfully hard when you have Ewoks, Strawberry Shortcake and the Honey Nut Cherrios Bee staring at you.
Hi Megan,
Funny thing is I missed meditating this morning and I just did it before dinner. I’m in the if I’m not feeling up to par quiet time and meditation is my answer. I’m going into the New Year with that attitude.
I also think it will help me just be! So that is one and two
on my list for 2010. With that in place other things will flow.
Yes I’m giving myself frequent blogger miles. Know a good place to cash them in?
Evita,
Isn’t life grand when our job is to spread happiness. Karl your work must be fulfilling and will only get better. You’ll get all of the happiness and joy sent back to you.
Peggy,
That’s fantastic. An attitude of gratitude will go the distance. I can’t way to see you expand your dreams. Yeah!
Sara,
Yes celebrate and lighten up are the easiest way to get rid of a down day at work. It works instantaneously. And your so right they work anywhere especially with difficult people. How can we be in conflict if we’re celebrating life with a light attitude?
Hillary,
You’re the best thinking of me in your stressful time. My mom fell a couple of weeks ago. They put her on pain meds that made her sick. Took 10 days to get her off them. You’re right our mothers don’t deserve this but instead of looking at it that way I try and see it as a normal process of life. Also I think they are put in that position in life to teach us healthy daughters patience, love, gentleness etc. It’s their last gift to us. xo
Jason,
I think I need to decorate my entire house this way. Maybe with an ice cream shop or candy store theme. Hay how funky is that. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh and yes everyone it was a great day to meet Chris and listen to him speak. I read his book before hand and watched his every move after the accident. I never saw his movies. To me he was just a movie star and then when he lost his ability to move he became my hero.
On the stage that night there couldn’t be a plant, cord, or anything. Completely empty. We were also asked to be sure not to touch him or his chair. One wrong move and he would be dead if something happened to his breathing apparatus. Not even fear of that kept him from giving his message and love away.
Hi Tess and Karl.
Oh I love people who ask questions. The guy in the photo looked familiar and I knew it wans’t Karl but who was it then?
I also loved Jannie’s question about what did you learn from the other therapists and your answer.
What I get from your great post is to stop making things wrong and to have a conversation about what you can change.
You are a great example of going to have a conversation with others so you can change your own narrow perspective and have things work out.
You still have things happen but it doesn’t make your life miserable, you find ways to deal with it and you let others support you.
You are still my hero in that respect Tess.
Karl, you have great taste in guest writers.
Hello Karl and Hello Tess!!
Tess, you’ve done it again! This article is filled with useful, yet inspirational information and tips.
I often think on this topic and when I do I always remember one of my favorite lines from Paradise Lost, the epic poem by John Milton. It goes ” The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” I think that is perfect for this topic don’t you? It isn’t so much where one works but how they choose to think of it.
You said the same thing about stress “Stress doesn’t come from what is happening at work. It comes from how we interpret what’s happening.” Very well said Tess! I agree with others who have commented here in that you are such a great example because you always take that lemon and squeeze yourself out a glass of lemonade!
Thank you Tess, for another great read.
Also, thank you Karl for having Tess here today!
Hi Tess and Karl.
Lighten up is huge! Not only for ourselves, but it helps ease the atmosphere for everybody else. And to remind ourselves that we’re trying to do our best always helps to move out of reactory mode. Excellent interview Tess.
Hi Tess .. yes I agree re me continuing to learn from my Ma.
I hope your Ma continues to improve and can have a comfortable and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
Thanks for replying so appropriately. x0 too
Wilma,
You are hilarious! Almost as funny as Funster with me and your hero stuff?!? I can own the great writer. LOL Thanks for caring enough to stop by and leave a comment.
Keith,
Oh my I’ve never heard of Paradise Lost but will be looking into it. That line is so clear. Truth never changes, my friend.
Hillary,
And much love and peace for you holidays as well. I spoke with her yesterday. One never knows if she is too weak to answer the phone. And speaking of work those are all angels working with her. In fact if anyone wants to meet an angel go to a cancer ward or where ever older adults are cared for and you will find them all walking around as people. Love ya Hilary!
Hi Tess — I loved the prison story — I keep being impressed by the variety of the things you’ve done and places you’ve been, and the lessons you’ve picked up from all of them.
Excellent post, Tess! I concur with every one of your points (although I’m still working on implementing a few of them…) It seems that the value we place on something is largely determined by the significance we give it.
Carolynn,
Congratulations for implementing them! It shows you deeply care about happiness at work. (and in life!)
Karl…you picked one of the best guest bloggers ever! Good choice.
Tess,
As usual you hit some high notes and sore points…if only 25 years ago I could have read your blog postings, oh the path my life could have taken
! The advice you offer certainly counts in more than just the workforce.
One thing that disturbs me…71% of the workforce is unhappy (BTW I was part of that number too, only enjoyed self-employed work). If that many people are unhappy then surely we need to look at how we work in society as a whole…we need to change the mindset, the governments and the corporations that create an environment that makes 71% of us unhappy.
OR better yet, we need to all pursue our passions and dreams!
Hi Tess – glad to hear you can still talk with your mother: long may it last.
Yes – lots of angels around our extreme sick .. and I’m very grateful for them, let alone my own heavy wings flapping nearby.
Thanks Tess – big hugs ..
Hi Karl and Tess,
Fortunately I love my job, but am also self employed. Having said that though, I can’t think of a job I didn’t like. For me, it’s been the attitude I bring with me when I take a job as each offers something different and each has taught me something new. I always saw it as “on the job education”.
Of all of your wonderful tips, my favorite is “gratitude”. Like you Tess, I’m grateful for all I’m blessed with and leave my heart open for more.