Many people reach a point in their lives where they start to settle in. They’ve found a stable job, have a family, and maybe dabble with a few hobbies. They settle in to a routine of work, family, friends…..more work, family, friends….and so on. The next thing you know, work is monotonous and you’re going home at night complaining to your family and friends about the day-to-day irritations you’ve encountered with your co-workers and the workplace in general. How do you get yourself out of this spiraling circle that ultimately creates a lot of unhappiness in your life?
If going to work brings more negative thoughts to mind than positive, then it’s time to take a look at how you are contributing to the problem. Did you stop investing in yourself? Did you stop learning and taking on new challenges? I’m betting you did, and you’re not even aware of it.
Your boss doesn’t provide money for continuing education? Why should that stop you? While I see many employers who provide generous CE budgets and learning opportunities, there are many more frustrated employers who’ve tried to provide learning opportunities for their employees, but no one stepped up to actually use these resources.
Every time I take a class, read a book, attend a conference, or have a discussion with a friend or colleague where I learn something new, it inspires me. That inspiration leads to a change in me and the way I think and approach problems.
You might think to yourself, “that’s all well and good, but how is that going to change the people I work with? THEY’RE the problem!” One of the most memorable things I was ever told by someone I have deep respect for is: “you can’t change other people…..you can only change the way you react to them.” I found myself repeating this phrase more than once this week as I coached young leaders through issues they were dealing with in negative work environments. When you invest in yourself, you become a light for others to follow. You start to build your own culture through personal growth, and people become attracted to you because ultimately, everyone wants to find happiness.
Spark positive change in your workplace today—-pick up a book, sign up for a class, seize a learning opportunity and watch the world around you start to shift.