Tips to Make Your Workday Worthwhile

Even the most educated people in careers of their choosing lose steam at their workplace. Thinking beyond the grind can help anybody focus on what they are actually doing for a living. Some people count down the days before they go on vacation and others simply daydream about the weekend. Whatever gets us through the day, right?

Others take a different approach to work. In fact, some of us don't even want to go on vacation because we will get behind in our work, which is important for the building of legacies. The more work we do in pursuit of our dreams, the closer we will be to them - not to mention the fulfilling journey to get there. Whenever I see advertisements about retirement, I think to myself: "What would I retire from? Things I like to do?"

So my glass is half full, yippee for me. It wasn't always that way, though. I forged my career into what it is and where it's going today and I feel as if I am never finished, but I never want to feel 'full', because there is always more to do. I must also mention that I get a natural buzz when I think about what I'm going to do next and, to keep this feeling going, I associate myself with like-minded individuals (I cut the 'nay-sayers' loose years ago).

So, according to me, here are a few tips to make your workday worthwhile:

1) Wake up earlier than usual and enjoy the morning. Have your favorite comfort beverage and go over the ideas and plans which involve you. Sleeping in can make you feel like you are giving your time away for somebody else's ultimate goals, so set three alarms if you have to and make sure one is across the room so you must get out of bed to shut it off - then stay up! You can even get a 'zen' alarm which gradually gets louder with a pleasing tone.

If you do shift work, adjust accordingly - for some reason, I found it more difficult when working the afternoon or midnight shift to find extra time to enjoy, so time management becomes more of a discipline. In any case, you may find time after you get home from work to be better for personal enjoyment.

2) Take note of what work activities will help you first, then the company (if you work for a company). Chances are, if it works for you first, it will benefit the company anyway. A new skill set, however, will benefit you first, because it'll make you more valuable for your current or future employer.

3) Do something creative at work. Try a different approach to a mundane task. You may get so involved in it, you will probably not look at the clock and forget to go for lunch (but bring a healthy snack so you don't starve!). When time flies by, you will feel happier. I used to put off lunch to finish projects and, at about 2:30 or 3:00, the boss would suggest I stop working and take a lunch. That particular boss allowed me to be creative and did not micromanage, but he did like to see me take a break now and then.

4) Smile more. I know, some people balk at this one, but it does make a difference in the way others treat you. I even smile at the mean people - not to be facetious, just to maintain a positive expression for my own benefit. Tell a joke or show a funny cartoon to a co-worker and they'll smile, too. They may even chuckle for the next little while and get those endorphins flowing nicely (check with a doctor about this one as I am not giving medical advice here - my disclaimer).

5) Buy a co-worker a coffee or tea. This one act solves so many work-related issues, it's not funny. Keep in mind that some bosses feel like co-workers, but be careful not to look like a shameful opportunist. So, buy everybody in your area something because, it'll only cost you a few bucks and perhaps others will do the same. It's an act that reinforces the concept of teamwork or 'family' at a workplace.

These tips work. Have a great work day!!

Buck Moore