| Inspiring Workplaces |
ISSUE 924 - June 8, 2022 |
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Six Happiness Thieves at Work |
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If you want to be happier more often at work, then I think it helps to be aware of some of the mindsets and behaviors that are known happiness thieves. And no, I'm not talking about Bob in accounting. Here are the biggest happiness-thieves to be on the look out
for.
1. Constantly seeking external validation. Yes, in an ideal world we would all get standing ovations at work every day for the fabulous work we are doing, but if you come to rely too heavily on external validation, I guarantee that this will be a recipe for disappointment. Happiness is an inside job - don't outsource your happiness to other people!
2. Unrealistic expectations. Life isn't one long beer commercial or social media profile where everyone is ALWAYS HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY! Happiness is a temporary state of mind and expecting to be happy every moment and expecting to find joy in every aspect of our work is unrealistic. Aim instead for contentment, which is much longer lasting and accompanied by deeper feelings of satisfaction and gratitude.
3. Comparing yourself to others. Happiness researchers all agree that the scourge of "comparison-itis" is a huge happiness drainer. To slay the beast of comparison-itis cultivate a mindset of gratitude for what you have, learn to compete only with your former self and not with other people, and effusively celebrate the success of the people around you.
4. Over-identifying with your career. While it may be a worthwhile goal to "love your job," if you over-identify with your work, you run the risk of prioritizing work over other aspects of your life (hello sleep), believing that your organization can't survive without you, and again, placing too much emphasis on external validation.
5. Focusing on material things over experiences. Every happiness researcher agrees with this one. Focusing on the "stuff" your work can provide you with or focusing only on the money and not the intrinsic motivators at work will without a doubt detract your from being happier than you might otherwise be. Cultivating ways to improve your sense of meaning and purpose at work and focusing your time and energy on experiences is a proven way to be significantly
happier.
6. Pursuing happiness. This is a big one that drives so much of our behaviors, yet it's been shown that chasing happiness is akin to a tail-less dog chasing its tail. Scads of research shows that the pursuit of happiness can actually make us unhappy because we are never satisfied with where we are or what we have. We fall into the trap of constantly saying, "I'll be happy when ______." So, we constantly chase the unattainable because there is no
finish line.
CLICHE ALERT: If you want to be happier and more content enjoy the journey! Practice mindfulness and everyday moments of gratitude. If you focus on making the people around you happy, celebrate the small stuff, and connect to a sense of purpose, happiness will be a natural by-product.
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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We haven't had an alter ego name game in a while, so here's another one to try at your next meeting or to use as a theme day where everyone wears a "Hello my name is ______" name tag. This time it's your alter ego Hippie Name derived from the formula: The last thing you ate for breakfast/lunch + the name of your favorite tree. (So, that makes me the very chill
sounding Granola Ponderosa)
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Quote of the Week |
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“You can’t have a new idea until you get rid of an old one.”
Gregory Bateson
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Funny Business |
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I'm speaking a lot these days about how to attract, hire, and onboard qualified employees as so many organizations struggle to find good employees (hence my book, Hire, Inspire, and Fuel Their Fire). Signs like this one spotted on a store
door might, however, be inadvertently contributing to the challenge:
CASHIER WANTED
MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD
WITH 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
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Wanted: Audiences in Need of Inspiration! Respond to this email to find out how Michael can help your team score some goals! "WOW! What energy, content, and communication skills! Thank you for joining us in Charleston and for the important message you
presented in a totally engaging manner.100% positive feedback!" Faye Anderson, Universal Unilink
The Jerk-Free Workplace
"The Jerk-Free Workplace should be required reading for every employee!" Ron Friedman, PH.D., author of The Best Place to Work. We couldn't agree more, which is why we offer great discounts for bulk orders!
99 Pandemic Pick-Me-Uppers
If you haven't downloaded your free copy of 99 Pandemic Pick-Me-Uppers: Celebrating Silver Linings, then what are you waiting for!
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