Be happy at work

Often professional unhappiness spills over into other areas of our lives. It can affect our home life, relationships and levels of self confidence. At this time of year many people take stock of their life, and how happy they are, especially at work. Help to make this your best year at work ever by following my simple tips what will help you see situations in different ways.

Step away from controversy if it doesn’t directly involve you, and try not to get involved in office gossip

1. Get noticed at work by getting in early, leaving late and volunteering

This really is the key to shining at work. Ok, you may not want to be there every waking minute but when you are there you want to be noticed. Earn those extra work brownie points by coming up with ideas (even if they aren’t used/acted upon) always looking happing and smiley (makes people warm to you) and giving other compliments. This could be on email if you feel too embarrassed face to face. Start by making these small adjustments to make more of an impact at work.

2. Don’t get involved…in office politics that is

Step away from controversy if it doesn’t directly involve you, and try not to get involved in office gossip (you can come across as untrustworthy and two faced). Many people make the mistake of getting involved in a work ‘clique’. Whilst it feels great to be accepted at first once those people move on (and they will) you will be left feeling vulnerable and lovely. Try harder to be a friend to everyone at work; you can have best friends outside of the office.

3. Try to take the emotion out of a situation

If you have a disagreement with someone at work or you just don’t seem to get on (and really need to) then think about it from a business point of view. Ask yourself what you could do to change or improve the situation and what you would like them to do. Draw up a mini plan of action and see it as a ‘project’. They may be unaware of this or you may know them well enough to talk to them. Weigh up every situation individually. Remember this isn’t about you bending over backwards to accommodate a disagreeable, rude or bullying colleague, you are simply trying to find solutions that will make you happier and less stressed at work.

4. Look elsewhere

These tips will work if you need to make some changes in your current workplace, but if you really feel you need to get out then make that another project. Simply re-doing your CV or browsing the jobs market will make you feel happier, more in-control and will also boost your confidence. Also, try not to expect everything from your job. It’s rare that just one job will tick all your boxes of happiness. Maybe taking up a hobby, signing up for a night class, or volunteering at an organisation will help you get that feel good factor that is missing from your job.

If you’d like more information on how a personal coaching session can help improve any area of your life or would like a free 10 minute coaching session then call Jude on 07827 666 009 or check out www.coachmehappy.info or www.thehappymum.co.uk