When it comes to finding more joy within work, a key component is understanding what really matters to you. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind without stopping to think if what you're doing matches up with your values. I teach a class on values where I encourage participants to figure out their top five values as a starting point. (James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has a great list of values on his website to give you some ideas if you need examples.)
Those values are a great way to guide the kind of work you do, but also the way in which you do work. How often do you get to express a top value at work? If the answer is 'not often,' then you need to find ways to use your top values in your daily work life.
If creativity or beauty is a top value, maybe you need the chance to make beautiful presentations or to share creative new ideas regularly. If freedom is a top value, maybe you need to work with your boss on a flexible schedule or find other ways where you can express your freedom within the bounds of work. Paying attention to your values and whether or not you get to flex them within your work life can make a big difference in the level of joy you experience.
Not paying attention to our values at work can deplete overall happiness and contentment with our work. By focusing on what matters and finding ways to bring that into work, we not only feel better about work but also feel more fulfilled and true to ourselves. It's about making sure our work reflects who we are and what we stand for, which leads to more joy all around.
Knowing that our values not only guide the kind of work we do, but also how we approach that work is kind of like a North Star in the workplace. A guiding principle. THANK YOU!