Has it been a tough week at work? How happy are you with your job?
If you're struggling with unhappiness at work, I have some good news today. What I'm about to share with you may help you feel happier (and become more productive) at work.
Let me explain.
The Harvard Business Review (HBR) recently did a study on something they've labeled the "Progress Principle."
The progress principle says, "Of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important is making progress in meaningful work."
How did this progress principle come about? The HBR did an exhaustive analysis of knowledge workers and determined that those who celebrated small wins, noting progress in meaningful work, were more likely to feel and perform better at work.
Well, how does this apply to me, Bill?
I'm glad you asked.
There are two practical ways to begin applying this principle.
First, find meaning in what you are doing.
Meaning is a key component to finding happiness at work. Is what you are doing meaningful to you? For you, this question may be easy to answer. But for others, this will require some more critical thinking.
So here are some questions to help you find meaning in what you're doing:
What are you working to create?
Who benefits from your work?
Is there a larger purpose for the activity you're engaged in? What is it?
Will it beautify or change the world?
Can it positively impact someone's day?
Perhaps it will simply provide a paycheck to spend meaningful time with people you care about?
Second, track your progress and celebrate your wins.
Knowing that you're progressing toward a goal is another critical component of happiness at work. To employ this principle, you need to keep score on your progress toward the dreams and goals you've set -- and let that progress fuel your perseverance. Don't just cross off your to-do's -- take time to celebrate the win in them. Take a moment to encourage yourself. Do it in the mirror if you have to and say, "job well done."
Here are a few questions to guide your thinking.
What goals are you working towards?
How are you measuring your progress on them?
When was the last time you rewarded yourself for progress made?
What win will you celebrate next?
What plan will you put in place to continue celebrating future accomplishments?
Who will join you in celebrating?
Do you want to be happier at work?
According to this study, if you can find meaning in what you're doing and make progress daily, you will be happier, more creative, and more productive.
To quote the HBR again, "Of all the things that can boost inner work life, the most important is making progress in meaningful work."
Keep up the great work,
Bill
