One of the top comments I hear from my clients is, “I like my job, but I’m bored. It doesn’t excite me.” After 5, 10, 20 years at a company, it’s understandable to become wearied by the same routine, people, and projects. Here are some tips to reignite the spark in your career, and how to fall in love (again!) with the work that you are doing.

 

Take Inventory and Delegate

Before you change WHAT you do, you must KNOW what you do. Make a list of the tasks that you complete every day. These tasks can be small or large, from “grab coffee from the 2^nd floor break room” to “meet with the legal team to discuss next steps on the ________ project”. Then, categorize these things as “I enjoy” and “I do not enjoy”. Getting this list written down provides a visual of what has been pent up in your head and lets you see what work activities you would be happy to continue with and what you’d prefer to say goodbye to. Over time, find positive opportunities to remove the “I do not enjoy” tasks from your job. Is there a colleague looking for a new challenge? An intern begging for work to do? An innovative way to complete the task using different technology? Great! Refine your career so that you are doing the work that excites and motivates you and watch as you look forward to beginning your work each day.

 

Focus on Your Goals

Why are at this job? Was it a stepping stone to your next position? To make money? It can be easy to fall out of love with your career when you feel like there is not a greater purpose to your work. To combat this, you should always have a few long-term goals in mind to be chipping away at. These goals can be anything from earning a promotion to gaining skills in preparation for the next company you would like to work at. When you know the WHY for your work, you will be able to see the purpose in your day to day activities.

 

Ask for Different Work

While you may love your company’s mission and colleagues, the actual daily activities can become mundane when performed day after day. Consider reaching out to your supervisor about having a conversation regarding new projects. But be warned, it’s very important to ask a certain way. Do not come across as bored (even if you feel that way), but rather that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are doing now and are looking to take on new tasks to refine and grow your skills. If done correctly, your manager will see you as a go-getter, and be thrilled to know that you are excited and motivated to take on different projects.

 

Shake Things Up

An easy way to add interest to your workday is to simply change out your routine. Do you tend to sit at your desk all day to complete work? Consider moving your laptop to a spot outside. Always grabbing your Americano and bagel from the Starbucks in the office lobby? Perhaps try out a latte and breakfast wrap instead. You may be surprised that making small changes to your routine can add a bit more interest, even if your actual work is staying the same.

 

Create an Exit Strategy

If you are truly unhappy with your work, maybe it time for a change. Feel empowered to consider outside opportunities but be mindful of your approach unless you are positive that you are leaving your current company, no matter what. Even if you are ready to pursue other opportunities, ensure that your work ethic does not weaken. Leaving on good terms, with a great network and resources available for later in your career, is the sign of a truly successful exit.

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

We all hear about the accomplishments of executives and picture a rigorous, caffeinated, and meeting-filled day beginning the moment they rise until the second their heads hit the pillow. In a study performed by Vanderkam, 90% of executives claim to be awake before 6am on weekdays to get a head start on their day. However, individuals negotiating million-dollar deals and leading hundreds of employees don’t sprint to the office the moment the alarm buzzes. In fact, you might be surprised at the calm, laid-back pre-dawn approach leading successful people into high-yielding work days.

 

They Say No to Coffee

 At least until they have hydrated their bodies for the day ahead. During the night, your body loses nearly 1 liter of water. Because of this loss, we wake up dehydrated, which is only worsened by the immediate reach for a cup of coffee. Taking the time to drink 16-32oz of room temperature water puts you well on your way to rehydration, alertness, and a faster metabolism. Feel free to reach for your morning java…after a few swigs from the water glass.

 

They Are Selfish

 We’ve all heard the age old saying: you can’t pour from an empty glass. When a successful person begins their day in the wee hours before dawn, they focus on what they need to fill their cup. They set their sights on personal growth, self-reflection, meditation, faith-based study, or simply take a few moments to breathe. Begin a gratitude journal, or perhaps invest in a personal development book or two. By setting your daily mindset on bettering yourself, you are then prepared to pour into others and establish a day of accomplishment, focus, and productivity among employees.

 

They Set Their Intentions

 Try as we might, it is near impossible for humans to accomplish the entirety of the mile-long to-do list we set for ourselves. TimeManagement.com CEO Rob Rawson sets his top priorities first thing in the morning before the hubbub of email churn and meeting requests fills his time. Take 5 minutes to write down the 3 things that, regardless of anything else, must get accomplished today.

 

They Move

 Though a quick jog or a few sets of squats may not sound like the most mellow way to begin the day, research shows that a dedicated exercise routine before heading to work can improve mental clarity for 4 to 10 hours post-workout. Former CEO and chairman of PepsiCo, Steve Reinemund claims he has been running 4 miles at 5:00am for decades. This week incorporate 20 minutes of exercise into your morning and take note of how you feel by the end of the week. You know how the saying goes, “the only bad workout is the one you didn’t do”.

 

They Get Educated

In order to change the world, we must know what is going on in the world. Billionaire investor Warren Buffet has been known to begin his day reading the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the New York Times, USA Today, the Omaha World-Herald, and the American Banker. Understanding the world around you not only provides a stronger educational foundation, but also gives insight into your industry, the economy, and global happenings.

 

They Stay Silent

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, surrounding noises can affect health by increasing stress levels, high blood pressure, risk of coronary disease, peptic ulcers and migraine headaches. Our mornings are often the only time of the day we aren’t surrounded by ringing phones, noisy conversations, loud television shows, and blaring music. In the morning hour, take the time to remain in complete silence as long as possible, leaving the hustle and bustle to the office.

 

Even adding a few of these habits will get your day moving in the right direction!

 

 

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About Debi

Debi is a coach to high performers, leaders and business owners wanting to achieve more and grow beyond what they believe is possible. Known for her clarifying insight and a pragmatic approach, Debi brings her clients to the next step by asking the right questions during strategy development and supporting them during strategy implementation. With experience in management, recruitment and employee development for various industries, she has a wide scope of expertise and will confidently guide you towards a successful future in your career.

 

Ready to take your career to the next level? 

Let’s chat. Schedule a complimentary call to discuss innovative solutions to your specific needs.

You’ve accomplished the hardest step of the job application process: landing an interview. According to Forbes, only 20% of job applicants receive an offer to interview after they have applied.  The interview is the biggest opportunity a candidate has to stand out and show that they are the best choice for the position.

Here are some simple tips to ensure you are set up for a successful interview with any organization:

 

Research, Research, Research

When walking into an interview, you should be familiar with what the organization does, its largest competitors, prominent individuals in the company, and the basic responsibilities of the position. While these data points may seem obvious, it’s shocking how many candidates are rejected simply because they didn’t browse the company website or social media to get a base overview.

 

Dress to Impress

You only get to make a first impression once. When interviewing, your attire should always err on the formal side, but take a moment to check out the company’s social media to determine dress code and culture. Then, dress one level above the standard. If employees dress business casual day-to-day, you should be decked out in full formal business wear. If employees tend to show up in jeans and a t-shirt, polished business casual is appropriate.

 

Arrive Prepared

It is nearly impossible to over pack for an interview. At minimum, you should arrive with a copy of all materials that you submitted to the company during the application process, including your resume, cover letter, reference letters, and examples of your work if applicable. Bring a pen and notepad as well to keep track of questions, notes, company and contact information, or if nothing else, to simply show the interviewer that you thought ahead.

 

Slow and Steady

Let’s face it, interviews are one of life’s most anxiety-inducing events. The desire to impress and earn a position at your dream company can often lead individuals to rush through interview answers without taking pause to really think through what they are saying. You may have prepared these answers ahead of time, but this is the first time that the interviewer is hearing them. Take a deep breath and slow down to give the interviewer the chance to hear and take in your responses. Remember, they would not spend the time or resources interviewing you if they did not see you as a potential fit for the organization. Breathe, smile, and communicate with confidence.

 

Ask Questions

One of the worst mistakes a job candidate can make when asked, “Do you have any questions?” is saying no. Asking questions demonstrates that you did your research, paid attention during the conversation, and want to know more about the company and position. Prior to the interview, prepare a list of intelligent yet practical questions to ask the interviewer. These questions do not have to be in-depth inquiries. A simple, “What is the day-to-day culture of the company like?”, or “You mentioned that the previous individual in this role had been working on X project, could you share a bit more about that?” shows that you are interested and care.

 

Follow Up

As soon as you exit your interview, you should be thinking through what to write in your follow up message to the interviewer. While a thank you note may seem old-fashion, 57% of resume rejections are from a lack of follow up from the candidate. The message can be handwritten or digital, but must be personalized and show appreciation for the interviewer’s time.

 

There are times, however, that you can be perfectly prepared, excellently dressed, confidently inquisitive, and still will not receive an offer. Do not be discouraged, and instead take your experience as a learning opportunity and practice for the next interview invitation. If appropriate, contact the interviewer to ask for some pointers. Stay sharp, stay positive, and stay collected. The right opportunity will be heading your way in no time.

The role of a manager is to create a positive, productive environment that serves and supports team members.  It doesn’t need extraordinary effort or expense.  The little extra time it takes makes the results worth it.

Here are some simple ways to make your employees feel valued at work:

 

SHOW GRATITUDE

People want to feel appreciated for what they do, especially by their manager because their praise feels relevant and lets employees know they’re on the right track. You can do this by clearly stating what your team member did well, how it relates to their strengths and how it helps the organization.  Also, saying it more often than you think helps.

Although verbal praise is easy and quick, a handwritten note goes a long way to drive the point home.  It demonstrates to the employee that they are worth your time.

 

PROVIDE LEARNING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The best bosses look for ways to enhance their team members’ growth with external professional development opportunities, such as attending industry conferences, joining a professional association, or gaining a certification.

Don’t forget: Plenty of professional growth and learning opportunities exist within your organization, too. You can take your direct report to coffee to talk about their career goals or introduce that employee to another senior leader in the organization for a mentoring chat.

When you personally participate in your employees’ learning and professional growth, you show you believe in them and want to help prepare them for their future success.

 

CARE ABOUT YOUR TEAM MEMBERS AS PEOPLE

Don’t fall prey to believing conversations about extracurricular activities interferes with your lengthy to-do list.

Simply asking them about their weekends, their families, and their hobbies—and sharing tidbits about my own— builds trusting relationships. When you better understand their experiences outside the office, it helps you work together more effectively in the office, too.

 

CELEBRATING

Recognize your team members’ work anniversaries or birthdays.  Maybe host a pizza party for the whole team when a sale closes or break out ice cream mid-afternoon for a surprise treat to bring everyone together.  Whatever the occasion, find reasons to celebrate and bring joy to work.

It’s important to mention that you should ask your employees how they like to be recognized and what makes them feel appreciated.  When they feel valued, their job satisfaction will increase.  Recognition and gratitude strengthen feelings of self-confidence and reinforces sense of purpose.

Is the water in your glass half-full or half-empty?  It’s as full as you believe it to be.  Your perceptions impact the way you interact with the world around you and determine if you are an optimist or a pessimist.

Did you know you can cultivate optimism?  Even though it is a personality trait, it is a skill that can be learned.  The first step is wanting to be optimistic.  If you are not motivated to adjust any thoughts or behaviors, nothing will change.

 

Why Learning Optimism is Important

Numerous experiments and studies show that optimists do better in school and work.  Overall, they generally age well and evidence suggests that they can even live longer.  Additionally, pessimists often get caught up in the idea of perfection, worry and get stuck.

As you are cultivating optimism, keep your feet on the ground.  Being overly optimistic can be just as unhealthy as being pessimistic.  It can cause you to make decisions based on a false sense of reality.  The end goal is to become or remain optimistic while striving to maintain a balanced reality.

 

Ways to Cultivate Optimism Now

Focus on the present moment

It’s easy to zero in on the past or worry about the future.  Instead, develop mindfulness in all your activities.

Look inside

Too often, people think happiness needs to come from an external source.  Finding a better job, a new house, affording a nicer car, etc.  Instead, the state of happiness really comes from being, not having.

Develop gratitude

Take note of all the good going on in your life right now.  When you focus on this positive mindset, optimism will come naturally.

Be kind to others

You can think of optimism as having a boomerang effect.  When you donate to a cause or do a kind gesture for a neighbor, you also benefit by what’s called a “helper’s high”.

Change your words

Reworking your thoughts puts things in a new perspective.  When you notice a pessimistic thought, take a moment and stop.  Think about how you can somehow make that scenario a positive one.  Another example is paying close attention to your words.  For example, instead of saying, “failure”, change it to “learning experience”.

Create short, powerful statements that can be used to remind yourself to be positive and persevere.  What sparks optimistic thoughts for you?  Keep a reminder of that handy.

 

Using these simple ideas to cultivate optimism will take practice.  Before you know it, though, you will be an optimist.