Terrence Johnson
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Work can be the dreaded four letter word. For those of us working a typical 9-to-5 work week, Sunday night can become a frightening reminder of the dreaded "Monday morning." It is, however, inevitable that work will happen. Work can soon become a perceived burdensome activity if allowed. What if work could be viewed as a gift?
In today’s society, work is a privilege. It is not a guarantee that everyone receives. For those who are unemployed, the chance of a job opportunity is everything while those of us in the work force drag into work every week like we are unappreciative. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand that work can be demanding including your personal life outside of work. However, in order for work to work for you, you must understand the purpose of your work. Everyone has certain responsibilities at work, but the best aspect of work is to identify ways to give back. Now your current career path may not afford you the opportunity to directly help others; however the skills and experiences that we gain from work can be shared with others. Whether it’s through religious affiliations, community involvement, volunteerism, outreach, and social media there is always someone who needs to hear about or learn about what you do.
How can you begin to create an environment where you view your work as a gift?
1. Write down five ways that your work could benefit others.
Most often work is equated to completing our daily job responsibilities. However, the skills that you utilize on a daily basis can be transferred to other areas. Creating a list of benefits can help sustain you in times of adversity. By applying your skills in areas outside of work, you can create opportunities that your job may not afford to you.
2. Create a positive for every negative aspect of your job.
No matter what job you hold from entry-level to CEO there is always two sides to the story. Even if you are far from your dream job, there are lessons to be learned and people that you can network with to get you to the next level. You may uncover strengths about your job that you never knew. No one has a perfect job, and if you are honest you are far from the perfect employee.
3. Create an affirmation regarding your job and repeat it daily.
Affirmations are powerful statements that can change your thoughts about yourself. It will often be the case that your daily affirmation can help change that bad day into a productive day. I remember when I had to drive 40 minutes to work with my air conditioning out in my car during the summer time to check on my students at the high school. The only way I could survive it was thinking that ‘The children that I serve need me to be there for them.” Nothing else could have kept me motivated during those times if I didn’t understand my purpose.
4. Always give 100% at work.
When you complain about your duties and treatment at work, usually it is due to a lack of commitment to your job. If you feel disrespected, devalued, or even misunderstood; it can cause a tendency for you to shut down and limit your commitment to your job requirements. It is during these times that you should do your work at 100%. Although your current job may not fulfill you, someone is observing the work that you do. Another company or agency may seek your services, or the promotion you aspire may be on the way.
5. Display the attitude you want to receive.
Your facial expression, tone of voice, body language, and overall interactions with others can display your personal feelings. If your attitude speaks negatively, then people receive you differently. No matter the circumstance, always attempt to display an attitude that correlates to your future goals. The world will give back what you give it. Your smile, kind words, or guidance could help someone else’s day improve. Never underestimate the smallest gestures of compassion.
My field of work is very demanding. It requires me to not only listen, but to assist people overcome their personal obstacles and for them to take responsibility for their personal growth. It is often a thankless profession and one that is misunderstood by many. But the most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the positive transformation of my clients into the people that they truly want to be. That is the greatest gift of all.
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About the Author: Dr. Terrence Z. Johnson
Dr. Terrence Z. Johnson is a licensed professional counselor who currently works at Mississippi College as a clinical professor. He is also co-owner of iProgress Counseling and Consulting, LLC in Jackson, MS. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University where he obtained a bachelor degree in psychology and a master degree in counselor education, and Mississippi College where he obtained his Doctorate in Professional Counseling. He has worked with adolescent offenders, children with mental health disorders, middle, high school, and college aged students. He specializes in the areas of career, life purpose, professional development, personal development and mental health counseling.
For information on the author click on the following link: Dr. Terrence Z. Johnson.
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