  If a man is called a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and Earth will pause to say, “Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”—Martin Luther King, Jr. In today’s market it’s easy to become discouraged. It is our attitude that makes it an asset or a hindrance in remaining positive, especially at work. Research on job satisfaction highlights that focusing on what we could have rather than making the most of what we have is in itself a source of unhappiness. The ‘keeping up with the Jones’ syndrome is much more prevalent in times of affluence, but in tighter markets it has the converse effect – people appreciate the job they have – and if they’re wise – make the most of it. Psychologist Maren Rawlings found that individuals who use positive humor in the workplace had higher levels of job satisfaction than those who don’t. Rawlings surveyed 300 workers from 20 countries about their individual use of humor in the workplace and how they perceived the humor used by their colleagues. She found that the use of positive humor improved both mood and performance across a wide range of workplaces. Her findings contradict a common misconception that people who enjoy themselves and make jokes in the workplace are not as productive.
As the quote says give the best that is in you. Surround yourself with a positive network of people. Embrace your work as an opportunity for better things to come when business picks up. This perspective will help you and means that you believe deeply in what you are doing.
Enthusiasm usually translates into positive energy. The mere fact of looking forward to work will help make us be more productive and effective.We’ve all had to work jobs and do things that we did not especially enjoy and usually some effervescent person would tell us to be more enthusiastic. “You’ll have more fun,” they would say. Well, they were partly right. We’ve all had to work jobs and do things that we did not especially enjoy.
Usually some effervescent person would tell us to be more enthusiastic. You’llhavemorefun, they would say. Well, they were partly right. Enthusiasm entails having a strong interest in the task at hand. If you decided to learn a new sport like golf or tennis, which is not easy by any account, you would have to dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to the cause.
Anything less would result in failure. Another important point is that passionate people are usually those that are thrust into positions of leadership. A leader must have zest if people are to follow him or her and achieve the company’s mission. A leader must inspire his or her team. To inspire them, he or she needs to exude enthusiasm.
Vow to start this week with an absolute belief in yourself and don’t allow anyone to steal your positive attitude. Leap out of bed in the morning and move forward during the day with gusto. Passion is contagious and those around us will take notice! Similarly, not everyone is the enthusiastic type that falls in love with his or her work; however there are ways to become more passionate. One good way to boost your gusto is by reading about successful people. If you read about others that have achieved success, it will help you realize that you too can make it happen.
And what greater resource than to pick up a copy of the Happy Herald. Stay Happy, Brigitte
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