It’s rare to get your dream job right away. And even that dream job may not be everything you expected. No matter what, you won’t always be happy at work. But did you know that practicing gratitude can help you increase your work-related happiness? Here are a few tips.
Celebrate the Wins
Big accomplishments at work, like finishing a key project, are definitely worth celebrating. But they don’t actually make up most of the average workday. If you wait to celebrate until you have a huge win, you can easily get discouraged. Instead, practice feeling gratitude for the smaller wins. When you complete a necessary but boring task, take five minutes to yourself. If you make it through your whole to-do list for the day, buy yourself a fancy coffee or other small treat. This can be one of your workplace New Years resolutions.
Make Thank You Part of Your Vocabulary
Recognize people for their accomplishments, and be sure to thank them when they do something nice for you. Not only will it make them feel good, but it will help you pay attention to all the little things that go right throughout the day.
Remember that everyone is different, and some people may not like big, showy displays of gratitude. But within their personal preferences, do what you can to let them know that they are appreciated. It’s a win-win for both of you. Also, it’s surprising how a little “thank you” starts to become part of the company vocabulary and culture.
Start a Gratitude Journal
Whether digital or handwritten, a gratitude journal helps you reframe each day in a more positive light. Before you go to bed at night, take just five minutes to write down at least three good things that happened that day. These could be work moments you’re proud of, positive acknowledgments you received, or anything that made you smile. When you’re having a rough day, you can go back through your journal and remember all the things you have to be grateful for.
Consider Moving On
Of course, some workplaces are truly toxic. If you’ve tried the gratitude tips above, and you are still struggling to find happiness at work, it may be time to move on. A new job can be scary, but it could turn out to be the best decision you ever made. After all, life is too short to spend it miserable.
Ready for a new job?
If you think a new role could be in your future, consider searching with SURESTAFF! We can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
