“TGIF”, “I hate Mondays”, “I am so ready for the weekend”, or “The weekend flew by, I could use one more day.” If you are a working adult, then at some point in time, I dare say you have uttered if not screamed one of these phrases. If so you are no different than the next person, but you can be. Work is not going anywhere it has always been here and will always be here the difference is YOU!
Day after day many of us get up to go to a job that we are tired of, a boss that we have no respect for, and coworkers that we tolerate, but just as soon not be around. We do this year after year or until we decide there is “better” out there and we leave only to find after a year or two we are back in the same situation. At that point we need to take a really good look at the person that stares at us when we brush our teeth. We need to stop and think that quite possibly the problem is not with the boss, job, or coworkers. The problem is ME. It didn’t take me long to figure this out and made me realize that I had to change the way that I viewed this thing called WORK, this dirty little four letter word, this place that has brought me so much grief and stress. So, I set out to change my outlook. I came up with an inexhaustible list of “things” and quickly narrowed those down to what I called my “7 Work Maxims” a nice way to help me maintain a great outlook on work and in no particular order here they are.
1. Master your job, be the best.
Don’t just look at your job as a means to an end. Mastering your job may require additional training, education, or certification. Continue learning as much about your job as possible and always seek to gain more knowledge in that field. “Wanna earn more? Learn more.”
2. Own your work.
Many times your work is associated with who you are. Your mark or fingerprint is left on your work, take ownership of every aspect of what you do. “Do it the best you can and the best it can be done.”
3. Be motivated by producing a great product.
It is easy to be motivated by money, promotions or awards, we’re human, but let your motivation come from knowing that the product you are putting out, whatever it is, will be unmatched. “Take Pride in Your Work.”
4. Be the leader that you would follow and imitate.
Whether you realize it or not, someone looks to you as an example. Your role may not be one of Leadership, but don’t let that stop you from being a person of character and integrity. “Be a leader.”
5. You are there to make a difference, MAKE IT…..Daily.
Every day that you go to work, you need to realize the difference lies with you. Try EVERY DAY to improve; you have all the power to be a difference maker. “USE THAT POWER!!!”
6. Change you attitude, as Attitude determines Altitude.
It goes without saying; your attitude has one of, if not the biggest impact on the outcome of your success or failure at work. Chose to be successful, chose your attitude. “How high do you want to fly?”
7. At the end of the day, WORK maintains your LIFESTYLE not your LIFE.
Work allows you to do and have many “things” and go many places, but work does not make your heart beat, blood flow, or lungs inflate. Work was here long before you and will be here long after you, so relax. “I’ve never heard of one dying from unemployment.”
Of course these are things that have helped me. I am sure we all could come up with our on Maxims if we tried. I hope you have enjoyed this reading and it in some way has helped you.
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Demetrius is a certified professional coach, speaker, trainer, and leadership development consultant. He has a particular interest in career and professional development issues. Please feel free to contact him at Demetrius_russell@yahoo.com for any advice, questions, comments, or concerns.