Very few people love everything about their jobs. But even if you're someone who just clocks in and out for a paycheck, wouldn't it be nice to get a little more Return on Life from something you spend 40+ hours doing every single week?
Whether you're looking into a career change or trying to reframe how you think about and perform at your job, here are four reasons to whistle while you work:
1. Boost your productivity
Unsurprisingly, folks who enjoy what they do get more done. A study by Oxford University found that happy workers are 13% more productive than their grumbling peers. Owners, executives, and managers should also note Gallup research that found that "low engagement" costs businesses almost $9 trillion dollars every year.
No matter where you are in your company's hierarchy, try to find ways to keep the office humming with positive, productive energy. Help coworkers solve problems. Give employees more leeway to tackle routine tasks their way. A business that's performing at its peak is only going to keep growing and creating more opportunities for everyone involved. Some of those opportunities might include jumping to new positions that are more rewarding -- personally, professionally, and financially.
2. Increase your confidence
There can be real satisfaction in a job well done, even if you don't love the job. Doing something to the best of your abilities puts your mental, physical, and emotional skills to their highest uses. You'll be much less likely to make routine errors that could slow down your own productivity and create unwelcome friction with other members of your team -- including your supervisor. And if you approach a routine task with a slightly more positive attitude, or if you put in just 10% more effort, you might find that the end result is exponentially better. Pushing yourself could also reveal talents and interests that you didn't realize you had. That can give you a big boost as you move on to the next task.
And if you try just 10% harder yet again? Your investment in yourself and your work is only going to compound and grow.
3. Improve physical and mental health
Those kinds of investments in how we feel about ourselves and what we do can pay off in other areas of our lives as well. If you find ways to enjoy work more, you'll likely feel less stressed overall. According to the American Heart Association, lowering your stress can also lower your risks of heart disease, chronic headaches, stomach pains, anxiety, and depression. You'll also be more likely to have positive interactions with coworkers and ask for mental health support if you're experiencing burnout.
Outside of the office, channel that extra energy and positivity into wellness goals, like exercising more and eating healthier. You'll head back to work every morning refreshed and with even more confidence to keep excelling.
4. Improve personal relationships
A more positive and productive you might be able to unlock some extra free time away from the office.
Coach your child's soccer team. Play an extra round of golf with your friends. Cook dinners with your spouse. If worries and frustrations about work aren't constantly running through your head, you'll be more available and more present for the people who matter the most.
Are you struggling to find happiness in your work? If a change in perspective isn’t helping, it might be time to plot a career change. Make an appointment and let’s discuss how your Life-Centered Financial plan could help you make a switch that’s good for you, your career, and your long-term goals.
