All of us would agree that almost all of our adult lives are spent working. We spend more than half-a-day at work. Some of us are even ready to pursue a second career and work again. Taking into account of commuting time, overtime, worrying about work, and thinking about our jobs, we spend more of our waking hours involved in work-related activities than in our home or personal lives. Thus our work spot or GEMBA becomes our virtual spouse!
However, despite the long hours spent working, many people often feel frustrated and unsatisfied on the job. This frustration can stem from many areas — lack of resources to get the job done, lack of responsibility, poor leadership, disgruntled co-workers or a negative work environment. The term “joy of working” is considered by many as a joke.
Hardly we knew what are the most essential ingredients to enjoy the work. It’s not the pay, duty title, or levels of responsibility. These are significant factors, but equally or more importantly, “Positive Self-Esteem” is the essential thing to enjoy one’s work. Self-esteem is that feeling that makes you feel you are valuable and important. There can be little or no satisfaction in the workplace until one values self and feels valued by others. So, we need to feel that what we do is valued and important. It’s the human psychology to get motivated whenever we feel what we do is more important and can make a difference.This is essential to each and everyone one of us regardless of our position or levels of responsibility. At times, it takes years of practice to appreciate your value as a unique human being.
There are several steps you can take to build your self-esteem. Here are just a few suggestions.
Tell yourself that You are a most valuable person.
It’s true. No one else can quite fill your shoes. You bring with you your own special talents, abilities, knowledge and personality. Count on your talents, abilities and capitalize on them. Don’t get hung up on your shortcomings — everybody has some.
Always try and give your best at your job.
No matter what you’re doing — whether it’s maintaining equipments, processing plastics, sweeping the floor or cooking meals — give everything you could give to the job. Go home each day knowing that you gave your job the best you could do. A job well done leaves you with a feeling of inner satisfaction.
Don’t talk yourself into failure or put imaginary barriers in your path.
For example, don’t make statements like “I can’t get ahead because I’m not smart enough, I’m too inexperienced or I’m not good enough.” These barriers can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Believe in yourself and work to improve those elements that are within your direct control — like your education, job proficiency or communications skills.
Take time to “nourish” your mind, body and spirit.
There is always room for self-enhancement and this will pay huge dividends towards improving your self-esteem. For example, start taking classes, get training, join a professional organization or the least start reading. Most of us have stopped reading after schooling. Don’t get trapped into the thought of doing a large task, like getting a degree and end up doing nothing. Set smaller goals, at first, to learn more and stay current in your profession.
You also need to recharge your body. It’s time to dust off our laziness and begin an exercise program. Good physical health and fitness are excellent stress relievers and will do wonders to improve your state of mind and make you more productive in the workplace.
Last, but not the least, is the need for spiritual enrichment. A deep spiritual commitment can be an invaluable source of inner strength and direction to help you cope with everything else.
Don’t dwell on past problems and mistakes.
If you’ve made a mistake, the key is to learn from it, try not to repeat it. Everyone makes mistakes. Those who learns from them succeed. Too often, folks carry needless baggage from the past that weighs them down and prevents them from getting ahead. Look at each day as a new opportunity for success.
Don’t wear the labels others try to give you.
If you feel ridiculed or belittled by someone at work, recognize this is not a failure on your part but ignorance or lack of self-esteem on their part. Sometimes, people will put others down in an effort to build themselves up. Remember, your self-worth and value should come from within.
Seek out and find successful and positive role models to pattern yourself after.
Stay clear of negative behavior and gripe sessions. Attitude is contagious. People with high self-esteem seem to radiate it to others! Try greeting your co-workers, your supervisor and your subordinates with a smile. It may sound a bit silly, but a smile establishes your own self-worth and shares it with others. Again, all the above said are just a few simple steps you can follow to help build your self-esteem.
To summarize, recognize your talents, do your best, don’t create imaginary barriers, enhance your mind, body, and spirit, don’t dwell on the past, and surround yourself with positive people who enjoy their work. Remember, no matter what type of work you do, regardless of your title or salary, the first key to finding happiness on the job is self-esteem. Self-esteem is the cornerstone to success.
Here again, Only Positive Self-Esteem can give you satisfaction and success on job. Negative self-esteem has got another name – EGO! Ego is nothing but Edging God Out! Let it go from you.
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