How to be happy at work
What you do — whether that's a job, caregiving, volunteering, school or something else — has a huge impact on your well-being.
Everyone deserves to love what they do. Figuring out how to make that a reality, though, can feel confusing and overwhelming. Where do you start?
We've put together a checklist to help you. Scroll down and ask yourself the question on each image. If it's a 'no,' we've shared a few ideas to address it.
Is it helping you to grow?
Human beings have an innate desire to grow.
Most of the time, if you're not growing, it's because there is something getting in the way, something that is impeding this natural desire.
It's like you're a plant, bursting through the soil trying to grow — but there's a rock in your way.
Ask, "What is blocking me from growing right now? What conditions would better help me to grow?"
Is it helping you to shine?
We also need to feel like we're competent in what we do and that we're appreciated for it.
The feelings of mastery and agency support your well-being. Recognition lets us know that your hard work is noticed and appreciated.
There's sometimes a trade-off between growth and competence. If you're doing something different (like a new job or new role as a parent), this dimension can take a hit — you're on a steep learning curve, where everything is new. But even in these transition stages, it's important to create small wins in your daily life.
Ask yourself, "What's the one thing I can do that will make today feel like a success?"
Does it matter to me?
When you're connected at a deeper level to your work, it creates a powerful source of motivation and deep reserves of resilience.
What's your personal connection to what you do? Why does it matter to you? What emotions does it stir in you?
For more meaning, hook your internal why to your external actions. As you get up in the morning, remind yourself: "Today, I'm doing this because..."
Is it helping other people?
The New Happy philosophy argues that happiness is all about helping other people. There's a very good reason for that: helping makes us happy, brings a sense of purpose, and connects us to one another.
The truth is that most of us taken our giving for granted. You don't notice the many small ways that you already help others on a daily basis. If you start to pay attention to these acts of service, it can boost your happiness. You'll start to see the many ways that your actions shape someone's life for the better.
Spend a few minutes reflecting on the people that you helped today.
If you are not able to directly witness those you helped, imagine them: the child who unboxes the product you helped design; the person who gets a job thanks to the software you developed; the student who has an insight when they read your words.
Is it contributing to a better future?
We all have the opportunity to contribute to a better future in our own unique ways.
The commitment to the well-being of our planet, society, and future generations doesn't only improve your mental health, but your physical health, too.
It's not about how celebrated your contribution is. It's about your commitment to making a contribution. That's what matters most.
This commitment can begin today. You can get up and say, "Whenever I can today, I'm going to try to contribute to a better future."
