How to Stay Happy and Motivated at Work

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
How to Stay Happy and Motivated at Work

Oh, workday mornings.  

The feeling of instant dread when you hear your alarm – a tune that triggers your fight-or-flight response. Because let’s face it – not everyone’s office experience is bright and optimistic.

Here are 7 tips to stay happy and motivated at your workplace. 

1. Set Clear Goals 
Your professional life needs goals, and it needs paths leading up to them. These goals also need to be defined in both the short-term and the long-term, and they need to have a hierarchy in terms of priority. 

2. Personalize Your Workspace 
Your workspace is where you will be spending most of your working week. And because of that, you cannot have a boring workspace. You need to look around yourself and be instantly motivated every day.  

3. Take Strategic Breaks 
If you start relying on lunch as your only break, you will soon realize that most of your energy is spent waiting for lunch or for it to strike 5. You want to manage your energy, and for that you need breaks. We recommend strategic breaks and that you step out of your office for a chat, walk, or snack. 

4. Celebrate it All 
Every win should be celebrated, regardless of whether it is big or small. Acknowledging a win boosts self-confidence, which in turn leads to more productive work. 

5. There is a Life Outside of Work 
Do not forget – work is not everything! Yes, it takes up a large chunk of your week, and yes, being good at what you do makes you feel proud. However, do not forget that when your hours are up, your time is yours. Go join a class, take a trip, or watch TV with friends. 

6. Foster Friendships at Work 
Who says your colleagues cannot be your friends? We believe they can! Don’t forget that these are people you collaborate on projects with, big and small. Make that process easier and more enjoyable for all by cultivating positive relationships with them. 

7. Go for a Jog and Drink a Smoothie 
Not literally, but you get the idea. Your body and mind are mediums for you to experience this world, and for the world to experience you. Taking care of your well-being should supersede your work. 

Remember, you are a much better employee when your happiness and well-being are a priority, so make sure to invest time in restorative activities.  

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach.

Q: Why am I struggling to stay motivated at work?

A: Feeling unmotivated at work can stem from various factors:

• Assess if your tasks align with your passions and skills, as a mismatch can lead to disengagement. 

• Lack of clear goals or challenging assignments may contribute, hindering a sense of accomplishment. 

• Insufficient feedback and recognition can dampen enthusiasm. Personal well-being, including physical and mental health, plays a role, so ensure a balanced lifestyle.

• Additionally, consider workplace culture and relationships; a positive environment fosters motivation. 

Reflect on these aspects, and proactively communicate with your supervisor about adjustments or new opportunities to reignite your professional drive.

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LEADERSHIP LIBRARY
Elevate Your Career with Essential Wisdom

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor

Research shows that happy employees are more productive, more creative, and better problem solvers than their unhappy peers. Positive people are significantly healthier and less stressed and enjoy deeper social interaction than the less positive people around them.

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LEARN THE LINGO
Balancing Assertiveness and Collaboration: Effective Ways to Express Yourself

Have you ever felt that your ideas go unnoticed or struggled to express yourself for fear of sounding too aggressive? Navigating the workplace as an English language learner in Canada can be challenging, and it's common to feel like your voice isn't heard.

Here are a few ways to express yourself assertively while remaining collaborative:

Assertive Phrases: Share Your Opinion, Perspective, or Suggestions 

Avoid: “This won't work.” ❌

Negative Effect: Aggressive. Puts people on the defensive.

Try Instead: "I would like to express my thoughts on…" ✅

Explanation: Instead of bluntly dismissing an idea, this phrase introduces a more constructive approach. It invites others to engage in a discussion and share their perspectives.

Example: "I would like to express my thoughts on the upcoming project timeline. (Introduces topic for discussion.) I believe we might need to consider extending it to ensure we deliver the best quality results (Uses words like ‘might’ and ‘could’ to show that they are open to discussion. Focuses on the shared goal of ‘high-quality results’.)"

Negotiation Phrases: Find Collaborative Solutions

Avoid: "We can't meet the current deadline." ❌

Negative Effect: Critical. Offers no solution.

Try Instead: "Can we discuss the possibility of…" ✅
Explanation: This phrase invites collaboration to find alternative solutions.

Example: "Can we discuss the possibility of adjusting the project deadline? (Uses a question to open discussion for alternative solutions.) Given the unexpected challenges we've encountered, I believe this adjustment will help us meet our goals without compromising quality. (Gives reasons and focuses on the desired outcome.)"

The key to feeling more confident in meetings is practice – so next time you want to express an idea or concern, try these tips! By framing your perspective as a contribution to the ongoing conversation, you are more likely to invite others to share their opinions and collectively work towards a solution.

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