Let’s face it, we all are hungry for progression and doing. Even if you don’t “feel like it,” it feels good to get things done and see things through. Especially at work.
Making the most of your workday can give you a feeling of purpose and a sense of fulfillment. Something so many people are striving for these days but falling short of.
Your work will make up about 60% of your life.
Yes, it’s a lot.
If you work full-time or approximately 40 hours per week, this will hold true. You typically don’t have much time left over between your work and sleeping at night.
Your work should be important, fulfilling, and meaningful to you.
But what if it isn’t?
Are there still ways to enjoy your job?
Absolutely, and in today’s post, I’ll show you just that in 3 steps.
You may be saying, “Chris, what does this mean…”
I never thought you’d ask. Positive commuting means using your commute wisely.
While more and more people than ever are working from home, I want to focus on those still going into the office.
Even if you only currently go into the office once or twice a week, you can implement this.
Commuting sucks…
I used to do it for years. I’ve commuted to many different cities and places to go to work 5 days a week, sometimes more.
What’s most valuable in life? Time.
And what does commuting do? It wastes time and a lot of it.
The average commute is approximately 60 minutes a day. Meaning 30 minutes per way.
If this were the case, you would lose 5 hours a week, 20 a week, and nearly 250 hours per year…
Yes, you read that right. If you’re commuting 5 days a week for about 1 hour total, you will lose 250 hours of your life per year.
From yelling at drivers, cursing, stressing, and being rushed (I’ve been there, I know what happens).
This time is gone forever, and you will never get it back. So rather than waste it, I want you to use it wisely.
Listening to audiobooks of value. These could include personal development, finance, healthy living, or any other topics of interest.
Using a platform like Spotify can give you instant access to many amazing podcasts. There is a podcast for every topic and person out there. Find a couple and stick to them.
Music you love is great for your mind, body, and spirit. Put on some music now and then that gets you in the zone, pumped up, or relaxed.
For whatever reason, I come up with some amazing new ideas when I’m driving/commuting somewhere. Whether I’m on an airplane or driving a car, I start thinking about ideas all of the time.
If you'd like, utilize one, two, or all four of these methods. They will all benefit the before and after of your workday.
While a couple of things go along with this step, let’s start with the first.
How you start your day is likely how your day ends. If you’re rushing and panicking in the morning trying to race to work, things may go downhill quickly.
I’m sure you’ve experienced one of those days when you’re running late. You stop for a quick coffee stop because you missed breakfast and need your hit of caffeine to function at your terrible job for the next 8 hours.
Right after you leave the drive-thru, you spill it all over you. It’s burning hot, and you’re swearing and losing it before 8:00 a.m.
I’ve been there too, it’s not fun. This can send you down a dark path for the rest of your morning, afternoon, and day.
Leaving on time is key to getting to work on time. Yes, traffic and obstacles may challenge you to get to work on some days.
But, own it, and take responsibility for being late and/or rushed.
If you can leave a bit earlier than normal, you’ll get to work sooner and have a much better workday. Try it and let me know how it goes.
The second item to be prepared for work is to have your food for lunch, breaks, and whatever else you need packed and ready to go.
If you can bring healthy snacks and lunch daily, you will work better, feel better, and have more energy.
Water is also really important, so I suggest bringing or having a one-litre water bottle you leave at work to stay hydrated.
While your nutrition and food don’t have to be the same as an Olympic athlete, you should have food prepped before each day and ready to go in your fridge.
Going out for lunch occasionally is fine, but if you do it every day, you’ll most likely be spending way more money, and eating food that isn’t as good for you.
I want to squash this one right now. Never, ever, ever say that you don’t want to do something or deny doing something at your job because it’s “not in your job description.”
I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there and have said it.
But starting right now, you must eliminate this mentality from your mind for good.
People that say this are slackers, excuse-makers, and complainers.
They are “victims” and always are the ones who get it the worst.
These people never get raises, promotions, or have the ambition to move up and change their lives. Because if they did, they wouldn’t say no because it’s not in my job description.
Say yes at work to do more above and beyond what you should do, especially when you’re young and trying to gain more knowledge, skills, and experience.
Why? Because this creates a ton of value for your company, your boss, and everyone else. It will be noticed (eventually), and you will be seen as a hard worker and a go-getter.
All positive things to move up and learn more in your industry.
No matter your job, this simple tactic of doing more will get you places.
Employees who are doing more than asked will always be seen as the elite workers of the company.
Create a good name for yourself, it will pay off 10 times in the future.
You only have one name, and your attitude toward your work is extremely important. So take this step seriously.
Your work makes up a massive chunk of your entire life. Why not make the most of it?
Even if you don’t love everything about what you’re currently doing.
Having a sense of fulfillment at work starts with what you do and ends with how you do it.
This means the things you do before, during, and after work.
So commute with intention, show up prepared with good food/water, and go above and beyond your job description daily.
If you can start to do this at a job you hate, imagine how it can positively influence you when you’re at a job you love!
Are you interested in doing something different for work? Or maybe you want to create a better work-life balance with your current job. If so, let’s chat!
Book a free Career Strategy Session with me here!
Chris M Wilson
Chris Wilson is a keynote speaker, CTI coach, and entrepreneur. Through his Hover to Fly framework, he aims to impact the next generation in their careers and lives.
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