Love is in the air…or is it? Strap yourself in, slam on the breaks, and hold on tightly…we will not be talking about love in the traditional Valentine’s Day customs. Instead, you and I will chat about the love you have for your business, your career, or your job—your profession.
Think back to when you first began your working journey. You were excited to start your business (or to be hired). You bought new clothes to look and feel your best, matching your positive outlook. You proudly told your loved ones about your new position, and you filled your mind with dreams of a glorious future.
What happened? Where did all the love go? How did your stress rise so greatly? When did you begin dreading Mondays and worrying about your tomorrows? Well, my friend, it is time to ignite your love for your business, your career, or your job.
According to Forbes, 62% of people dislike change, and resist it. Think about how change makes you feel. Are you one who dislikes change? Does your stomach drop to the floor? Are you filled with worrisome thoughts? Is your speech piled with negative connotations?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, then by all means, you dislike change; and more than likely, you resist it.
Forbes also states that Psychology Today reports that between 30 and 90 percent of adults are bored with their job. When you and I conclude this percentage in the middle realm of 30 to 90 percent, we get 60%—which is almost the exact percentage of those who do not like change. Coincidence? I think not. So, are you responsible for the destroyed love for your profession by resisting change?
I believe that without change, people do become bored. Moreover, they become unchallenged. When people are not challenged, their mind becomes stale. When their mind becomes stale, they seek ways to keep it alive. They keep it alive through worry, dread, and negative speech.
So, you see, to bring love back to your professional life, you must stop doing what you are currently doing—you must change. Now, I am not speaking of changing your career path or present place of work. In fact, I want you to stay put where you are in the physical realm, just not mentally; because remember, you more than likely once loved where you are, which means you can love it again—love is a choice.
The key to ignite your love for your professional life is to change the operations of your environment (to include your mind). Now that I have you thinking, take a moment to ask yourself, what can I change in my environment to enhance it, allowing me to fall in love with it again?
For example, you walk into your office, shut the door, slouch in your chair, and let out a deep breath of dread. What if instead, you took a moment to stop by your neighbor’s office to say “hello” and give them a cookie? (If you work from home, you can still stop by your neighbors to say “hello” and give a cookie; or, you can call a client for the simple pleasure of getting to know them better, with no intent of selling–instead serve them, for free.) What if you took a moment to compliment your coworker or praise your client? What if you stopped complaining about a major problem in your workplace, and instead, thought of possible solutions?
If you are no longer in love with your professional life, only you can ignite the love for it once again. Just as the adage goes, you cannot make others happy, until you first make yourself happy, so does it mean, your career cannot make you happy, until you first make yourself happy.
Stop looking for your profession to make you happy; and instead, take the initiative to make your profession happy. Truly think about this…what can you do to create a happy environment in your work environment? What can you do to show love to your work?
Perhaps your first step is to adopt a positive attitude. Your second step could be to embrace change, and even ignite change. Third, you might decide to create solutions (instead of more problems with a bad attitude).
Remember, if you resist change, allow yourself to be overcome by worry, and speak negatively to anyone who will listen, your profession is not the problem—you are. The quickest way to fall in love with your profession again, is to become the solution. Once you choose to love your profession, I promise, it will love you in return.
21 years in the same profession has caused me some major life changes. I have fallen out of love with work multiple times and instead of changing my attitude or behavior I changed jobs. In 2016, I had 5 different jobs and I’m still struggling to find my place. But this has opened my eyes to the problem: I am the problem. My negative comments about others behavior or mind set has now caused me to become complacent and where I used to try to brighten others days, now I’m the Debbie downer! Thank you Elena for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us. Honestly I need to embrace change and be the good this world needs in people in my industry!
Thank you for sharing your story with us! Amazing! I believe in you, and know you can find your positive mindset again and embrace change. Keep us updated on your progress!
My favorite sentence in this blog was, “because remember, you more than likely once loved where you are, which means you can love it again—love is a choice.” It is easy to go to a place day after day and get trapped into a routine that destroys creativity. It is easy to slip into a non-positive mindset. You are right, changing your perspective can change your life. Love is a choice! You must choose it! No matter what you will choose something it may as well be to love who you are and what you do! Thanks for this blog!
Very well said Andrell! I love how you say, “No matter what, you will choose something; it may as well be to love who you are and what you do! Thank you for your insightful comment!
Awesome read, and great advice! Change the scenery, change your attitude, change your mindset, and it will change your professional performance and your life!
Right on! I am happy you are enjoying my blog. Thanks for your positive comment!
Very thought provoking and such a fabulous way to look at your career and in your life as a whole. Thank you for this challenging article!
You are very welcome Stephanie! I am happy you found it to be thought-provoking! Thanks for your feedback!
Great content as always!!!
Thanks Brian! I am happy to hear you are enjoying my articles!
I truly believe that the biggest zapper of energy is boredom at work. If you don’t love your work, you need to follow this advice and fix it.
I agree–it is boredom! Thanks for commenting and adding additional value!
Thought provoking – being as most of us will spend a great deal of time working (unless we win the lottery or inherit) we should CHOOSE to enjoy the work or Make a Move and change. Sometimes it’s a matter if taking a class to enhance your profession or network with other professionals to get a
Different perspective!
Yes, sometimes we need to change. I love how you bring up taking a class. Learning always stimulates the brain in a healthy manner. When we feel smarter, we build confidence, and confidence breeds all sorts of other great qualities. Thanks for adding value Susan!