Stress Management Archives - Page 3 of 4 - MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE
Advertisements

MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE

Category: Stress Management

  • Fulfillment at work | Creating something produces fulfillment

    Fulfillment at work | Creating something produces fulfillment

    KEY POINTS
    > Fulfillment at work is now the new norm.
    > Having these three things – impact, relationship, and growth – could provide the sense of fulfillment at work.
    > Creating something gives us the sense of fulfillment.
    > Trying out different things until you find what brings you satisfaction may help in achieving fulfillment.

    Fulfillment at work

    Finding fulfillment at work has been a desire that every working person has been craving for. The pandemic has brought to our attention the importance of the purpose of our work and the feeling of being fulfilled. Spending time at home with our family made us realize that there are more important things in our lives than busting out long hours in the office without a sense of fulfillment.

    Satisfaction with our careers and jobs had been questioned. It is not about earning to live anymore. It is not also about living life comfortably. We have achieved these. It is now about being fulfilled with our work. It is creating a work-life balance. It is now a question of impact, meaning and purpose.

    Companies struggle to keep employees. It became more difficult during and after the pandemic. Employee engagement has never been more critical and various approaches such as virtual team buildings and company events, and the push for more interconnected people were implemented to keep employees engaged and motivated. There were some who implemented mental health breaks to tackle the issue around employee well-being and mental health.

    But, what really is a meaningful work? How do we find fulfillment in what we do, or is it not even with our current work and do we need to search for it? Does a purpose-driven work enough to feel fulfilled? What can we do to find fulfillment at work?

    There are ways, according to researches. Well, I would beg to disagree.

    The three things to have to feel fulfilled at work

    Impact. Relationship. Growth. These are the three things that a person should have to have a sense of fulfillment at work. This is according to a post on Big Think written by Kevin Dickinson. It was a conversation between him and Aaron Hurst who is the founder of Imperative and Taproot Foundation and author of The Purpose Economy.

    I. IMPACT

    Simple enough. When we know the gravity and the value of what we do to others, we feel fulfilled. We realize that our work is meaningful and has a significant effect on other people’s lives, we see that our work is purpose-driven instead of menial tasks that we must go through every day. But, is that even enough?

    Businesses strive to make this known to employees to ensure that quality of work is there and clients receive the service that they need and deserve. By making people understand the purpose of what they do, it somehow creates a sense of passion and dedication in the work they do.

    Although, when our work does not directly translate to an impact, this can be very difficult to feel. An example would be in a contact center where your daily task is to answer calls, emails or chats. Doing it repetitively for people you don’t know or even care about disconnects you from the impact. Makes us ask ourselves, “What am I doing here? Is this something I really want to do?”

    II. RELATIONSHIP

    We are highly social animals. We strive to belong. We wanted to be accepted by the community we are a member of. It is a product of our survival instincts. Our ancestors needed the help of the tribe to survive. With our primitive minds, we brought this need to the present. Therefore, our desire to be build relationships, be accepted, and become a valuable member of the community we are members of has become a need for us.

    This is why most successful organizations strive to ensure there is a good working relationship in the workplace. Aaron Hurst mentioned that in his research, people tend to stay in the company when they feel they belong. With a sense of belongingness, we feel secure and thus we create work for the benefit of the member of the organization effecting the people outside.

    However, does relationship really help us become fulfilled? Would that be enough to find our purpose in life? Can it create the passion at work?

    III. GROWTH

    This is a cliché. We all know this. Being stagnant with what we do leads to boredom and a feeling of senselessness. Repeating the same work over and over again for a long period of time will make us feel useless.

    This is the reason why company leaders provide more challenging tasks, trainings, seminars, and opportunities. Of course, the main reason for this is to ensure competitiveness and stay relevant in their industry. Without such, an organization has spelled it’s doomed. With people being the most important resource of a company, it is imperative that they grow and always ready for any potential opportunities.

    But, ask yourself, do you feel fulfillment when you grow? In terms of doing more, do find fulfilled with more responsibility and accountability? Or even when doing something else, have you found the fulfillment that you are looking for?

    Fulfillment at work from creating

    While it is good to have impact, relationship and growth in the organization, fulfillment can be achieved by focusing on our personal goals first. These goals are not the results of our work such as living in the beach, traveling the globe and having money in the bank. Particularly, these are by-products and/or tools for us to achieve our personal goals.

    Some may call it doing what you love. And some may say love what you do. But to me, it is more than that. Ever had that moment where even though you do not get any feedback from what you have done but you feel satisfied with what you created? Have you ever had that feeling that you just did not care what other people said about it and you just kept going and creating? Or better yet, you felt irritated with someone who criticized your work after you have put all your heart into it?

    I think this is it. We are all looking to be fulfilled at our current work and the strategies that companies implement to give that to us are more aligned in keeping us as employees. In one company I used to work for, they boast of extensive free training given to all employees to spur growth and maximize the potential of everyone. I personally do not need it even I enjoy going through training classes and seminars, I rather read books and blogs to keep my mind working.

    Now, in my line of work, I do not consistently get feedback. My work does not have a direct impact on our clients. But, I like what I do. I am more focused on what I create and deliver that to our internal team for them to use. If they use it or not, I honestly do not care. I felt fulfilled because I created something that I want to.

    The same with my blogging. I want to write. I want to share. Even if only one person reads it, that is enough. But it does not stop me from writing and publishing. I always have a senses of fulfillment when I am able to write and publish what I have in mind.

    Find you fulfillment at work by trying different things

    That is the old-age advice. Find your passion. Do what you love to do. It was also said that you can not earn a decent life if you keep doing what you love such as art and music but that is besides the point.

    Putting passion at what you do is also another approach to keeping employees and force them to do what the work requirement is which leads to depression and unhappy people. This in turn loses the sense of fulfillment.

    By trying out different things, you may find what makes you tick. Focusing on creating that you want to will give you a sense of fulfillment. It is not just about impact, relationship and growth. I think these are also by-products of what we do. If we start with creating something, without any care of the feedback, then I would say, we will have the sense of fulfillment that we are looking for.

  • Protect your mental health in office politics & office drama

    Protect your mental health in office politics & office drama

    KEY POINTS
    > Office politics comes in many forms such as gossips, power struggles, insubordination and arguments which could lead to backstabbing, discrimination, harassment and bulling.
    > Office gossips can be avoided by staying away from the conversation, changing the topic, ignoring and putting oneself in the shoes of someone.
    > Protect your mental health in office politics by spreading good things, building relationships, plant ideas, and being a survivor instead of a victim

    What is office politics

    Office politics can have a negative impact on mental health. In an organization that has a workplace culture such as this may seem strong when seen from the outside but is slowly decaying inside. While it can be leveraged to be successful, just to some extent, the damage it brings far more outweighs the little advantage it may have.

    Office politics comes in many forms. Office drama is one wherein gossips, power struggles, insubordination and arguments are rampant which seems, in an organization that has this, to be a regular thing in the workplace. These leads to backstabbing, discrimination, and sometimes harassment and bullying.

    These negative results are prevalent and often time lead to legal matters, office politics can also affect power dynamics, office relationships, and career advancement. While there may be short term gains from having this type of culture, the detrimental effect on mental health could be severe. Moreover, work-life balance is highly affected by the stress brought by office politics.

    So, if it is something organization have, can it be leveraged for the benefit of people in the organization? If not, how do we prevent it from affecting us and protect our mental health? What could organization leaders and members do to overcome it? Whose responsibility is it anyway?

    How to deal with office gossip

    I read the above excerpt from Simon Sinek’s book entitled Leaders Eat Last. These sentences resonate so much about office politics, particularly office gossip. When people talk about a person behind their backs and tell stories not for them to tell, hidden behind the water cooler conversation are two things that are happening – building a community and destroying relationships. These two stem from trust and dishonesty. People who enjoy a once-in-a-while office gossip tend to gather together and build a community among themselves based on the common activity which is gossiping. However, it also destroys trust from the person who is the topic of conversation as his or her story is for him or her to tell. Not to mention, office gossips are usually negative. Rarely, no one talks about good things when gossiping.

    I had my fair share of experiencing this in my career. It usually happens when there is so much stuff going on, stress gets to people, and eventually, people start talking about another person they hate. Without realizing it, they had already formed a negative conclusion about the character of the person in topic and this affected the way they dealt with them.

    Office gossip becomes a norm before long. It has become an almost daily activity for people and they spend a good amount of time talking about or making fun of a particular person. Again, by doing so, it changes how you interact with that person. When we know something negative about the person, it seems that we become a little better than him or her, and at the back of our heads, we have a preconceived notion that he or she is not capable as much as we knew the person before the gossip.

    To stop or at least minimize office gossip, here are some actions we could take:

    Do not join the conversation. When people start talking about someone else, just ignore them. Joining in the conversation is adding fuel to the fire. The more people talk about it, the more it spreads. It is the power of word of mouth.

      Shift the topic. There would be times when you will not be able to avoid the conversation especially when you fear the feeling of being left out. That is fine. We can acknowledge that feeling. Listen to what is being discussed and then shift the conversation slowly to another topic to stop the gossip. It could be something related to the person’s work or a project or work that you may need more information or something out of the blue like popular trend on social media or sports game results from the previous night. It could work. It could not. But the slow shift in conversation would make people realize of better topics to talk about.

        Ignore. Easier said than done. Easier over chats, but harder in actual conversation as your curious mind will always strive to listen. The need to know will always be there and being in the know will help you be part of that community. But, do you really want to belong with them? Ignoring a chat message is easy. You just don’t reply. In an actual face-to-face conversation, if you are in a group, you just need to stay silent. Let them talk. Do not be part of it. If you are just overhearing discussion from another table or clump of people talking, just put on your earphones, listen to music or watch a video.

          Put yourself in the person’s shoes. One thing to remember, once you know the people who talk behind another person, do not tell your story to them. What’s preventing them from gossiping about you? These people are not trustworthy and do not deserve to be confidants. They destroy reputations. They destroy relationships. This is what causes a company to decay inside.

            The core of office politics is office gossip. When people spread out stories that may or may not be true, it affects the way people look at a certain person. This widespread of dishonesty can hamper good working relationships and slow down progress.

            There are other forms of office politics such as backstabbing, credit stealing, power plays, aggression, bullying and dramas but I think gossiping spells it all. Everything starts with one gossip and all hell breaks loose if people start spreading it.

            And these affects our mental health.

            How to protect your mental health in office politics

            Knowing that office politics will always be there, regardless of the company, it would be best to leverage it to our advantage. The negative effect of office politics on our mental health may lead us to become depressed and unable to function and perform the work we need to do. If we can use it to our advantage, then maybe we can also protect our mental health.

            Mental health by definition affects the way we think, we feel, and act. It is our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. By leveraging office politics, we can prevent its negative impact and instead use it to our advantage to win at work.

            Here are some actions we could do to use it and have a positive impact:

            Spread good things. Instead of talking about the negative things about a person, start talking about his or her positive traits. Talk about what the person did successfully and learn from it. Discussing topics that are positive will not hurt the person but only propel him or her to advance his or her position and work. In effect, to our mental health, this brings a positive euphoria for us. Compared to negative topics that would only cause stress, topics of positive in nature will alleviate any bad feelings we may have thus protecting our mental health.

              Building relationship. The people who usually enjoy office gossip are subconsciously wanting to form relationships with others. The best way to do that is to find common ground. Gossiping provides that as we all love good gossip. However, as joining the conversation is a bad thing, not to mention being the one to spread it around. For a brief moment, enjoy the conversation. Do not join in. Just listen. Then start sharing positive things with the genuine intention of helping the person’s name become positive for others, not the other way around. From that crowd of people, eventually, you will see who are worth being with and those you would rather stay away from as there will be some who would prefer to negatively gossip instead of changing their attitude.

                Plant ideas. Office politics results from too much office gossip. People talks spread like wildfire and it is nearly impossible to completely extinguish it. You can leverage this by instead of discussing negative things, discuss something else that could help resolve issues. Put out what you think would be best to do to solve an existing problem. Or even posing a question and asking them what they think will change the conversation and make them think of the idea. That may or may not spread however, it would definitely change things.

                  Be the survivor. Lastly, if you are the victim of office gossip, in my experience, it would be best not to react. Be proud. You have been the talk of the town. If your boss hears about it and has a discussion with you, whatever it is, just talk it out. Of course, the degree of the topic may entail you keeping or not keeping your job however, the truth is the truth. So be it. Ignoring and letting it be will kill the fire. Reacting will only make it grow bigger. In some cases, if it is too big, you just need to find somewhere else to work. No need to hurt yourself by staying where people do not trust or make fun of you.

                    Office gossip to office politics to mental health

                    Protecting our mental health against office politics has never been important even without us realizing it. Everything starts with a water-cooler conversation about someone and that spreads like wildfire. That fire eventually causes significant effects on someone’s reputation. Depending on the fire, it could help the person burn to ashes or burn bright. By cultivating a more positive discussion amongst coworkers, office gossip can be harnessed to build relationships and propel someone to stardom. However, if we are the topic, we can ignore it, admit the truth, or just move away and change our environment.

                    Our mental health is our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. We are ultimately responsible for protecting it. Instead of becoming a victim, we can be a survivor by choosing how we react. Our actions will spell out the difference. Once we figured it out, we can become better than who were yesterday.

                  • CAREER

                    CAREER

                    What makes you stay in your career?

                    Is it the money? Is the job fulfilling? Is it because you don’t have any other choice? Is it the people you are working with and friends at work?

                    We all have started our careers because we need the money. We need to work. Out of college, or high school, whatever you’ve finished, we automatically looked for a job. For some, they aimed for what they wanted to do. For the majority of us, whatever the opening, we applied and grew our careers from the bottom of the corporate ladder.

                    Out of college, I inherited a small canteen business from my mom. That didn’t work out as the business had so many receivables it can’t barely keep up with the monthly expenses. I then applied to a BPO company and started as a technical support agent. I moved to another company for a reason and became a sales agent and then a customer representative. From there, I became a Workforce Management Professional and for 15 years, as of this writing, I had grown my career around it.

                    Do I like the job? Yes. Do I find it fulfilling? Some days yes and some days no. Is the money good? Definitely. Do I have other choices? As of this time I wrote this, no. And let me tell you…I’m stuck right now in the profession.

                    The money is very good I can’t let it go. I like what I’m doing but there are times that I don’t really see the value it brings. And maybe it is not too late to change careers. But that fear of trying something new and the risk of losing money are what stop me.

                    To you fresh graduates, please have the time to read The Education of Millionaires by Michael Ellsberg. In this book, he talks about how those who did not finish college succeeded in their lives. And while this may not be applicable to you looking to grow your career, there is one thing that for me is a key takeaway in the book – what problem are you solving for?

                    Think about that and assess your current career. What value does your work bring to people? What impact does it have? I would say it is not about making a big difference and impact to the world but rather, how does your work help someone?

                    I’ll leave that up to you because I believe that thinking about it would help all of us be more responsible, accountable and dedicated to what we do.

                    What anchors you to your career? Is it the financial stability it provides, the sense of fulfillment you derive from it, the lack of alternatives, or the camaraderie and friendships you’ve formed in the workplace?

                    For most of us, our career journey begins with a fundamental need—the need for financial security. Fresh out of educational institutions, be it college or high school, we embark on a quest for employment. Some are fortunate enough to pursue their passions right away, while many of us take whatever job opportunities come our way, often starting at the very bottom and working our way up through the ranks of the corporate hierarchy.

                    My own career trajectory took an unexpected turn right after college. I inherited a small canteen business from my mother, but due to an overwhelming amount of unpaid bills, the business struggled to stay afloat. Consequently, I found myself stepping into the world of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), starting as a technical support agent. Over time, I transitioned through various roles—a sales agent, a customer service representative—and eventually carved out a niche for myself as a Workforce Management Professional. Fifteen years have passed since then, and my career has been shaped by this specialization.

                    Do I enjoy my job? Generally speaking, yes. There are days when I find it immensely fulfilling and others when its purpose seems less clear. The compensation is undoubtedly attractive. But do I have other options? At this moment in time, as I pen these words, my answer is no. And here lies my current predicament—I feel trapped in my profession.

                    The lucrative nature of my job makes it difficult to walk away from. While I appreciate my work, there are moments when its significance eludes me. The thought has crossed my mind: perhaps it’s not too late to switch careers. Yet, the fear of venturing into the unknown and the potential financial risks involved hold me back.

                    To those of you who are recent graduates or just starting out in your careers, I implore you to read “The Education of Millionaires” by Michael Ellsberg. In his book, Ellsberg discusses how individuals who didn’t complete their college education managed to achieve success in life. Although this narrative may not seem directly relevant to those seeking career advancement, there’s a profound message within its pages that resonated with me—the importance of understanding what problem you’re solving.

                    Take a moment to reflect on your current career path. What value does your work add to society? What impact does it have on others? It’s not about making monumental changes or leaving an indelible mark on the world; rather, it’s about how your work aids someone in their daily life.

                    Consider this: every job exists because there is a problem that needs solving—a gap that needs filling. Whether you’re an engineer designing safer buildings, a teacher shaping young minds, or a customer service representative ensuring client satisfaction, your work has intrinsic value because it addresses a need.

                    As you ponder these questions and evaluate your career choices, remember that finding meaning in your work isn’t solely about personal gratification or societal recognition. It’s about recognizing that even the smallest contributions can make someone’s life easier or better in some way.

                    So ask yourself: What problems am I passionate about solving? How can my skills and talents be utilized to address these issues? By aligning your career with these answers, you’ll likely find greater satisfaction and purpose in what you do.

                    Ultimately, our careers should be more than just a means to an end—they should reflect our values and aspirations. They should challenge us to grow and inspire us to contribute positively to those around us.

                    As you navigate through your professional life, strive to find that sweet spot where passion meets purpose—where what you do not only pays the bills but also aligns with what you believe in and care about deeply.

                    In conclusion, whether you’re just beginning your career journey or contemplating a change in direction, remember that it’s never too late to reassess your path and make adjustments that bring you closer to fulfilling work that matters—to you and to others.

                  • WORK

                    WORK

                    Work. We all started to do it to earn money. Most of us is to provide for our families. But, along the way, we forget that very reason.

                    Do you remember how you started your career?

                    Was it something you had envisioned from college or high school? Was it even close to your course in college? Has it changed over the course of years?

                    Let me share you mine.

                    I had no intentions of going into college back then. I can’t remember why but I think I felt I was just letting everything happen around me and follow it. My father helped me get started. I enrolled in one of the known universities in the Philippines and started taking Civil Engineering. After one semester, I let the world take me again and stopped for one semester. I came back the year after and decided to take Business Management. Took me six years to finish a four-year course.

                    I remember I like leading a team and coordinating individual tasks, consolidating them after, and presenting our work. I found that I like presenting and talking in front of people about ideas. I usually envision myself as a manager.

                    My nephew just graduated from college last June 2022. And I fear for him that he might struggle to get a job, or worse don’t get any. I had tapped too many people I know to see if they had an opening for him. In the industry that I am in, while the need is high, competition is high too. Thus, it became very difficult for him to get a job.

                    In his quest to get in to any of the companies I had referred him to, I remember myself back in the days starting my career and I hope for you guys reading this, please share this blog to everyone you know in the hope that we, those who have gone through the corporate world, would prepare our next generations for what to come.

                    • If you just want to work to earn money to support your and your family’s needs, go apply on everything. It may or may not be related to your course but anything would be a good starting point. It doesn’t mean you don’t have a choice. Get as many options as you can and choose from it. Or whatever gives you an offer first, take it. Start from there.
                    • If you are not concerned with money and you want to work, you got the time. Same, keep trying anything that comes your way. You will find what really clicks with you.
                    • Once you are in, you will be treated like a helper. You will be just a staff. Another person working for the company. You will not feel this but that is the treatment. Do the job at hand, what it requires you, and learn what your immediate supervisor is doing. Learning what the job in your next level will help you prepare if you want to climb the corporate ladder.
                    • While working, don’t spend all your money having fun with your work colleagues. Go out with them sometimes. Build relationships. But don’t trust anyone. You don’t really know them. This is true. You don’t really know who you can trust. Only your family will always be there for you, whatever happens.
                    • Remember why you started. If it is for your family, don’t forget that they come first. If for your future, don’t forget that you come first. Your work colleagues won’t really bat an eye in whatever you are going through. They don’t really care. They have their own lives.

                    It is always good to build lasting relationship with whoever you meet in the corporate world. I had met a lot of people but I only trust very very few which in my entire 15 years of working as of this writing, are the people I talk to about my professional and personal life. How did I find them? They showed real concern for me, did extra mile in helping me, all without me asking for help and telling them anything. That’s how I found them.

                    You who is reading this, I encourage you to please share. When I started, I never had anyone talk to me about what to expect and what to do. I was out on my own after my father helped me get into college. I hope that this time, we could provide what we learn to the future generation entering the corporate world.

                    At the end of the day, it is just work.

                    Embarking on a career journey is akin to setting sail on an open sea, where the horizon is filled with endless possibilities and the path you choose can lead to various destinations. When the primary goal is to earn a living and support your family, the approach to job hunting can be pragmatic and all-encompassing. It’s not about finding the perfect match or the dream job; it’s about seizing opportunities that present themselves, regardless of whether they align with your academic background or personal interests. This strategy is about survival, about ensuring that the needs of your loved ones are met.

                    In this pursuit, you may find yourself applying to a multitude of positions, casting a wide net in the hopes of catching a viable opportunity. The first offer that comes along might not be ideal, but it serves as a stepping stone, a means to begin your journey. It’s a starting point from which you can navigate the waters of the corporate world, gaining experience and building a foundation for your future.

                    If financial pressure is not a pressing concern, the job search takes on a different tone. You have the luxury of time, allowing you to explore various avenues and discover what truly resonates with you. This exploratory phase is a quest for fulfillment, a chance to find work that clicks with your passions and aspirations.

                    Once you’ve secured a position, the reality of the workplace sets in. You become a cog in the machine, a staff member whose primary function is to fulfill the tasks at hand. The treatment you receive may feel impersonal, but it’s a universal experience in the corporate hierarchy. It’s essential to focus on your responsibilities while also observing and learning from those above you. Understanding the nuances of the next rung on the ladder is crucial if you aspire to climb it.

                    Navigating office dynamics requires a delicate balance. While it’s important to socialize and forge connections with colleagues, caution is advised. The workplace is a complex network of relationships, and trust must be earned. It’s a harsh truth that the bonds formed in the office are not always as steadfast as those with your family, who remain your unwavering support system through thick and thin.

                    The motivation that drives you to work each day should remain at the forefront of your mind. Whether it’s the well-being of your family or the pursuit of your own future, this guiding principle should influence your actions and decisions. Colleagues may come and go, and their concern for your personal struggles may be limited. They, too, have their own lives and challenges to contend with.

                    Building lasting relationships in the corporate world is a rare and valuable achievement. Over the course of a 15-year career, you may encounter numerous individuals, but only a select few will earn your trust. These are the people who demonstrate genuine care, who go the extra mile without being asked, and who offer support without expecting anything in return. They are the ones who become confidants in both professional and personal matters.

                    As someone who has navigated these waters, I urge you to share your experiences with others. When I began my career, I had no guide, no mentor to prepare me for what lay ahead. It was a solitary journey, one that I embarked on with little more than the education my father helped me obtain. Now, we have the opportunity to be the mentors we never had, to pass on our knowledge and insights to the next generation entering the workforce.

                    In the end, work is just one aspect of life. It’s a means to an end, a way to provide for ourselves and our families. But it should not define us or consume us. It’s important to remember that at the close of each day, work remains at the office, while life, with all its complexities and joys, awaits us at home.

                  • BURNOUT

                    BURNOUT

                    Burnout prevents us to keep going. Only be regular effective reset and minimizing stress can we combat burnout.

                    Monday. I used to start early, around 5:00 AM US Eastern so I could get some work done before more people at work start logging in and asking for my attention. However, that was rarely the case. As soon as I logged in, a few minutes later, my boss would send me a message wanting to talk and discuss items and tasks he wanted me to complete.

                    That was a good thing because we were prioritizing tasks for the week. The purpose was to be more purposeful with our time and be able to finish what we were aiming for the week.

                    Monday. 12:00 PM US Eastern. My boss would send me a message asking for something else. This new thing took priority over what was discussed at the start of the day. This new task is not part of our week’s priority list. It was an urgent task that needed to be done right away.

                    So I dropped whatever I was doing and did that.

                    Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Same thing. There were urgent questions that needed answers right away. There were things that needed completion right away. It took priority over everything else. Everything else took a step back, deprioritized, and went back to to-do list.

                    Friday. Well, exhausted from the long hours the previous days and nowhere near completing the work that was discussed on Monday.

                    Over the weekend, instead of resting, my mind kept thinking about the unfinished work that would need to be attended to the following week.

                    No surprise. The following was the same. New work. Longer hours. Squeezing work in every empty time in the calendar. Back-to-back meetings. Hundreds of emails. Dozens of chats. I have to attend to everything. Everything seemed to be urgent, a priority, a requirement, and important. Although, I knew it is all about prioritization, however, in reality, my priority is not the priority of anyone else.

                    In effect, while I juggled everything and reassessed which ones needed to be done, it led me to a feeling of being unfulfilled. What did I really accomplish that week? Was I productive? Why did I feel exhausted?

                    Burnout at 100%

                    This article by Greg Mckeown entitled “To Build a Top Performing Team, Ask for 85% Effort” published in Harvard Business Review talked about how people at work experience burnout which results in people leaving or poor performance.

                    Please take time to read it as it gives good insight, especially for leaders as these are what is prevailing in the workplace right now.

                    There are good points raised in this article and I will be focusing on and discussing some of them which I have personally experienced and seen in the course of my career.

                    I. Mind reset

                    There was this company that I previously worked for that set up a mental health break during the course of the day. At a certain point in the day, for about 30 seconds to one minute, a calming video of nature instructs the person watching it to take a breath, and relax. The aim is to reset the mind from the stress of work and resume rejuvenation after watching the video and following the instructions.

                    For me, this is not effective in addressing burnout and taking care of mental health.

                    While this is a good thing, the reset is a break from a stressful workplace environment, it is a band-aid and does not address the problem at its source – working too much.

                    Maximizing the time of employees to produce, in a sense, maximizing their productivity, is equivalent to too much. Yes. The 100% is too much. Why? Because employees are people not machines and maximizing the time they are being paid is similar to treating them as machines in a factory that must follow a strict process and time for maximum output.

                    II. Compensating the hours

                    There are days when employees need to extend beyond their 8 hours in the office. Some are paid overtime. Some are to be compensated some other days by working fewer hours. And some, well sad to say, are not paid but still more hours must be given.

                    A day in the week that is longer than any other day would start exhausting a person. Even if there would be a day that is shorter, that would not effectively help the person they recover the energy, both mentally and physically, that person gave on a long day.

                    Maybe a one-time off. But that one time becomes a regular thing. And that is not a good thing.

                    I once heard in a meeting I had with leaders that they had been working for the past twelve hours. There were just meetings they needed to attend to and projects they needed to see to completion. I was never a fan of that. Maximizing an employee and asking for more and rewarding the person with a nice bonus and nice salary bump or even promotion does not help. It is again a temporary solution.

                    Why do we even ask people to do more and they are paid less than that? We should start implementing “hard stops”. If the day is done, then anything else will be continued some other day.

                    III. Priority vs urgent

                    ASAP. Urgent. Need. I heard and used these words multiple times. The purpose of using these words in the workplace is to emphasize the importance of the task, it is time-bound, and must be done as quickly as possible.

                    Well, everything is urgent, right?

                    While I understand that there will always urgent tasks that need immediate attention, the question we should ask in the first place is why it becomes urgent.

                    Companies race and compete with one another. To ensure profits are met and stock prices go up, initiatives are done in a time-bound manner. Everything that is being done is to get more revenue, minimize costs, and raise the value of the company. This approach to business creates a highly stressful environment for everyone. Everything becomes a priority. Everything becomes urgent. Everything must be done now.

                    Thus, the concept of prioritization is not really implemented because urgent tasks become a priority. The important things are left out and are to be done some other time. And in effect, those important things become urgent eventually which also lead to burnout.

                    What could we do?

                    Leave some room

                    Here is what I think companies should do.

                    Stick to what is important. We could combat burnout if we focus on those things and never deviate. When employees know what they need to put focus and attention on, and where they need to put their efforts and hours, they become more productive and fulfilled. I understand that there will always be urgent tasks that we can not deny will happen.

                    However, too many urgent tasks are a reflection of poor leadership. How a leader sees what could happen in the future and anticipates that, takes a more directional approach in handling the business and leading the organization.

                    Additionally, do not race. If companies focus on racing to meet revenue targets or increase company value, the very purpose of the work is forgotten. It becomes all about the money. Well, it is a business so profit comes first. And that should change.

                    Lastly, stop asking for more hours. Focus on output. Focus on quality products and services. If the day is done, it is done. Just stop. The work can continue tomorrow or some other time. The concept of seizing the day and there is no other time than now does not apply in dealing with employees. Why ask for more and not pay more?

                    These I think could a high-level approach be.

                    While the small teams in an organization can do small things.

                    • Leaders should not maximize their teams. Leaders should just be endorsing a maximum of three tasks per day. Then let the employee do what he thinks is best. This gives the employee some room to think, own, and be accountable.
                    • Leaders should implement hard-stop. If the day is done, it is done. If the meeting is done, it is done. If at that time, the work was not completed, continue some other time. Putting too much pressure on a person produces poor results. A continuation could bring out new ideas.
                    • Be clear with priorities and stick to them. Do not change the task. Keep them working on what is important. It will be very beneficial in the long run.

                    To end, burnout is a result of being maximized all the time. Simple band-aid solutions and reward structures will not help anyone. The approach to preventing it requires changing how we treat people. By treating them not as resources but as human beings that contribute for the betterment of the organization, it will create a more profound effect on the organization’s growth.

                  • Decide to stay or resign | What Do you consider?

                    Decide to stay or resign | What Do you consider?

                    What makes you decide to stay or resign from your current job? Money? Promotion? Have you considered your personal goals?

                    Monday starts and you get to work.

                    You start your week full of energy and desire to complete what you set out to do. Or maybe, not really in the mood to start the week right as you dread that presentation you have been preparing for the week before.

                    Maybe you are excited to go to the office because your company is having an event that week that you like. Or maybe you want to call in sick and let your colleagues handle the workload and stress.

                    You have been doing this line of work for years now. You have been promoted and received awards over the course of your career. Or maybe you have not gained the appreciation or promotion you’ve been eyeing for. And that is why you are now thinking of quitting and joining a different company.

                    What makes you stay with your current company?

                    I read a post on LinkedIn about certain factors we should consider when we are thinking of staying or leaving our current company. Some are as follows:

                    • Compensation. Are you being paid fairly? Well, we work to get paid so we get to experience the quality of life we want.
                    • Growth. Is there enough training and potential career progression? True. Of course, most do not want to get stuck where they are now. Most want to get promoted.
                    • Relationship. Are you being treated as a human being? No dispute there. While we are all resources of a business, no one can deny that for us to continue, relationships and a sense of belongingness must be present.

                      These are just three of them though, this should sum up what it was saying.

                      And I have a slightly different take.

                      Are you able to achieve your personal goals by staying?

                      This is the only question that we need to answer when we are trying to decide if we are staying or leaving our companies. Our personal lives are our accountability and responsibility, no denying that. If we put that as our second priority, then we will have happy and fulfilled lives.

                      If you get a big salary and from this, you are able to enjoy what life has to offer, good for you. However, if in exchange for that money is a huge amount of your health is taken (lack of sleep, stress, etc.), then, you will not be able to enjoy life no matter how much money you have.

                      If you get those training, seminars, and eventually promotions and maybe awards, good for you. However, if it required much time from you away from people you would rather spend time with (family, friends, or by yourself), then those small wins could not amount to the big loss you had.

                      Now, these may all be the ones that are important to you. These may be your personal goals. These are what you are striving for. These are what you want to achieve. And if that is the case, go for it. You do you.

                      However, when deciding to stay or leave, it is not a matter of what the company has and what the other company is offering.

                      Moreover, our work is a means for us to generate income. That is the very purpose of it. The foremost. Other things we get are just icing on the cake.

                      So, think very carefully when you are at this crossroads because whatever happens, you might forget what is important to you and what is it that you really value.

                      When faced with the decision to stay at your current job or move on to a new opportunity, it’s essential to look beyond the surface-level offerings of each company. While salary, benefits, and perks are important, they are not the sole factors that should influence your decision. Work is indeed a means to generate income, and financial stability is a significant aspect of our lives. However, it’s not the only thing that matters.

                      Evaluating the Whole Picture

                      It’s crucial to evaluate the whole picture when considering a job change. This includes reflecting on your career goals, personal values, and the kind of life you want to lead. A job is more than just a paycheck; it’s where you spend a considerable portion of your time and energy. It’s a place where you can grow, learn, and contribute to something larger than yourself.

                      Income and Beyond

                      While income is the primary reason we work, it’s not the only reward. Job satisfaction, work-life balance, personal growth, and fulfillment are also critical. These intangible benefits can significantly impact your overall happiness and well-being. They are the “icing on the cake” that can make a job truly rewarding.

                      Aligning with Values

                      When contemplating a job change, consider how well the company’s culture aligns with your values. Do they support the things you care about, like sustainability, diversity, or innovation? Are you proud to be associated with the company’s brand and mission? Working for an organization that resonates with your beliefs can be incredibly fulfilling.

                      Career Progression

                      Think about your long-term career progression. Does your current job offer opportunities for advancement? Will the new opportunity challenge you and help you develop new skills? Sometimes, a role that offers a lower salary initially might provide a better trajectory for growth and future earnings.

                      The Importance of Colleagues

                      Consider the people you work with. Colleagues can become lifelong friends and mentors who support you both professionally and personally. A supportive and collaborative work environment can be just as valuable as a higher salary at another company.

                      Work-Life Balance

                      Work-life balance is another critical factor. A job that allows you to have time for family, hobbies, and rest is invaluable. No amount of money can compensate for a job that leaves you with no time or energy for the things you love outside of work.

                      Making the Decision

                      When you’re at this crossroads, take the time to think carefully. Weigh the pros and cons, not just in terms of financial gain but also in terms of personal satisfaction and growth. It’s easy to be swayed by a higher salary or a prestigious title, but if these come at the cost of your values or happiness, they might not be worth it.

                      Remembering What’s Important

                      It’s essential to remember what’s important to you. What do you value most in life? Is it creativity, autonomy, making a difference, or having time for family? Your job should support and enhance these values, not detract from them.

                      Conclusion

                      In conclusion, the decision to stay or leave a job is multifaceted. It’s not just about what the company has or what another company is offering. It’s about what the job means for your life as a whole. Consider all aspects of the role and how it fits into your larger life goals. By doing so, you’ll make a choice that supports not only your financial needs but also your personal values and aspirations. Remember, the best job is not just the one that pays the most but the one that enriches your life in the most meaningful ways.

                    • Why am I being micromanaged?

                      Why am I being micromanaged?

                      Why am I being micromanaged? Hate a leader who micromanages. Breathing down our necks. Always contact us through email, chat, or call. It feels like we are not trusted.

                      That our work is being watched. Whatever we do, there will always be changes to what the leader wants. Nothing we do is right and every little detail is scrutinized by the leader.

                      But, have we taken a step back to understand why it is happening? Why is the leader always checking on our work and feels like there is no room for us to do what we want to do?

                      Well, maybe start looking at how you work first. Are you really productive? Are you delivering results? Are you meeting expectations? Are you accomplishing your tasks by the deadline?

                      Because if not, then the leader will apply micromanagement. It is a simple approach to keep team members in line and walk the path towards achieving the goal.

                      If you feel remorse, hate, and want to quit because you are being micromanaged, maybe stop first and think. Talk with your leader and ask what is going on. Ask what your leader wants as output, how the task needs to be done, and when it needs to be completed. This is a good starting point.

                      If you still do not perform within expectations, then you will continue to be micromanaged. But, if you meet it, for sure you will be trusted and gain freedom at work.

                      Micromanagement is a term that often carries a negative connotation, especially in the workplace. It conjures images of a controlling leader who constantly oversees every aspect of their employees’ work, leaving them feeling distrusted and suffocated. This leadership style can be demoralizing, as it implies that employees are incapable of managing their responsibilities without direct and constant supervision.

                      The experience of being micromanaged is not pleasant. It involves a leader who is always in contact, whether through email, chat, or calls, seemingly doubting every move you make. This can lead to a work environment where employees feel they are under surveillance, with every action being monitored and subject to change according to the leader’s whims. The result is a feeling of incompetence, as if nothing they do is ever correct or up to standard.

                      However, it’s important to consider the reasons behind a leader’s micromanagement. Could there be underlying issues that prompt such close scrutiny? It’s worth taking a moment to reflect on one’s own work habits and performance. Are you as productive as you could be? Are the results you deliver up to par? Do you meet the expectations set for you, and do you complete your tasks on time?

                      If the answer to these questions is no, then it’s understandable why a leader might feel the need to micromanage. From their perspective, it’s a method to ensure that team members stay on track and work towards the collective goal. It’s a way to correct course when an employee strays from the path of productivity and success.

                      Feeling resentment, frustration, or even the desire to quit because of micromanagement is a natural reaction. But before taking any drastic steps, it’s advisable to engage in open communication with your leader. Inquire about their concerns and expectations. Ask for clarity on what they consider to be satisfactory output, how they want tasks to be executed, and the deadlines that need to be met. This dialogue can serve as a foundation for understanding and can potentially lead to a more autonomous work environment.

                      Performance is key in this equation. If you continue to fall short of expectations, the micromanagement will likely persist. However, if you demonstrate that you can meet or exceed the standards set for you, trust will build. Over time, this trust can translate into more freedom and autonomy in your work.

                      It’s also essential to understand the leader’s perspective. They have a responsibility to ensure that the team is functioning effectively and that organizational objectives are being met. Their approach, although it may seem overbearing, is often rooted in a desire to maintain high standards and achieve success. It’s a delicate balance between providing guidance and allowing independence, and not all leaders manage this balance well.

                      Building a positive relationship with a micromanaging leader involves proving your reliability and competence. Show that you can handle your responsibilities with minimal oversight. Demonstrate initiative, communicate effectively, and deliver quality work consistently. As you do so, you’ll likely find that the reins will loosen and you’ll be granted more leeway to work independently.

                      In addition to improving your own performance, consider the broader context of the organization. Is there a culture of micromanagement, or is it isolated to your leader? Understanding the systemic issues at play can provide insight into whether the situation is likely to change and what steps you can take to influence that change.

                      Creating a positive work environment is a collective effort. It involves fostering a culture of trust, respect, and open communication. When employees feel empowered and leaders feel confident in their team’s abilities, the workplace becomes a more dynamic and enjoyable place.

                      Ultimately, dealing with micromanagement is about finding a balance. It’s about understanding the motivations behind it, communicating openly, proving your capability, and sometimes, making the tough decision to move on if the situation doesn’t improve. By focusing on your own growth and maintaining a professional approach, you can navigate the challenges of micromanagement and emerge as a stronger, more resilient employee.

                      In conclusion, while dealing with micromanagement can be challenging, it presents an opportunity for growth and development. By approaching the situation with a level head, engaging in open dialogue, building trust through consistent performance, understanding your leader’s perspective, and demonstrating your ability to work independently, you can create a more positive work environment. This not only benefits you as an individual but also contributes to the success of the team and the organization as a whole. Remember, the goal is not just to reduce oversight but to foster a workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

                    • BALANCE

                      BALANCE

                      Work-life balance. What’s your definition?

                      Does it mean spending time equally between work and your personal life?

                      Does it mean not doing work when you are not on shift?

                      Does it mean spending time with your loved ones just as much as you spend time at work? How about time for yourself? Is it part of it?

                      The President/CEO of my previous company spends all his waking hours working.

                      One of my previous bosses works during the weekends.

                      A friend of mine spends most of her time with friends at work instead of her family.

                      And someone else, somewhere, we don’t know what he or she is spending his or her time for.

                      To me, work-life balance is a very misunderstood concept. It says balance which means equally distributed. Equal amount of weights. Equal amount of importance. Equal amount of attention. Equal amount of time.

                      Most of us thinks that there is no work-life balance because we always work, work, work. Do overtime because there are a lot of things we need to do.

                      Some even do weekends just to complete their tasks.

                      But, keep in mind, that wherever we allocate our time, whatever things we do with our time, those are the things we consider important in the present moment.

                      If you rather work longer hours, because that’s what you are inclined to do, go ahead.

                      If you rather watch Netflix, go ahead. Up to you.

                      If you rather go out with your friends, go ahead. Just save two bottles for me. 

                      There is no such thing as work-life balance. There are just priorities.

                      Before, when I was a customer service representative up to the time that I became RTA supervisor, I spent most of my time working and going out with friends from work. That’s what I like. That’s my priority, that time.

                      And in effect, I created long-lasting relationships with people. They had been my mentors and we are still in contact up to this day (that was 15 years ago!). And I have progressed very well in my career thanks to them.

                      But, what did I lose? The time I could have spent with my wife, and my son, and save up for our future. We went into a very dark spiral 15 years ago and I almost lost them.

                      Because they were not my priority.

                      So, think. What is your priority? I know someone from our team who has family as priority and finding the right amount of time to spend at work and at home. (Nice!)

                      Things you can do

                      • Don’t aim for balance. You’ll just get stressed out thinking you have not given enough time to different aspects of your lives.
                      • Set a goal. Very clear goal may it be your career, your finances, your family, up to you. What do you want to achieve?
                      • Identify what you need to do. Create the steps you need to do to get there. Baby steps will really go a long way.

                      When you identify your goal…

                      When you identify your goal and have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve, you set a compelling direction for your life. This sense of purpose can provide motivation and guidance as you navigate through the ups and downs of your journey.

                      When you have identified your priorities…

                      After identifying your priorities, you can effectively allocate your time, energy, and resources. This deliberate focus allows you to concentrate on the aspects of your life that matter most to you, fostering a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

                      When you know what steps you need to take… Then, you have created a real balance in your life.

                      When you know what steps you need to take to move towards your aspirations, you empower yourself with the tools for achievement. Each action you take becomes purposeful and contributes to the realization of your ambitions.

                      Then, you have created a real balance in your life. By aligning your actions with your goals and priorities, you cultivate a harmonious equilibrium that nurtures your well-being and sustains your progress.

                      Work-life balance is indeed a complex and often misunderstood concept. It’s not simply about spending an equal amount of time on work and personal life or avoiding work outside of specific hours. It encompasses a multitude of factors, including the allocation of time to loved ones, the pursuit of personal interests, and the maintenance of physical and mental well-being. It’s about identifying and prioritizing what truly matters to us at a particular phase in our lives.

                      It’s not uncommon for many of us to feel overwhelmed by work demands, leading to overtime and even working during weekends. In some cases, this may stem from a genuine inclination towards work, while in others, it could be driven by external pressures. Regardless of the reasons, our allocation of time and the activities we engage in reflect our present priorities. You emphasized that whatever we choose to do with our time signifies its importance at the moment, whether it’s investing extra hours at work, unwinding with a Netflix binge, or enjoying social outings.

                      Your personal reflection on your own journey from being a customer service representative to an RTA supervisor underscores the impact of your priorities on your relationships and career progression. You gained valuable mentorship and lasting connections through spending time with colleagues, yet it came at the expense of valuable time with your family. This introspective realization serves as a poignant reminder of the profound effects of our choices and priorities on our personal and professional spheres.

                      Ultimately, work-life balance should not be viewed as an elusive state of equilibrium to be achieved. Instead, it calls for introspection and deliberate prioritization. Your advice to refrain from pursuing balance in itself but rather focusing on clear goals, identifying priorities, and outlining actionable steps aligns with the notion of creating a meaningful and personalized balance in life. This approach enables individuals to channel their efforts toward what truly matters to them, be it career advancement, financial stability, family time, or personal pursuits. By aligning actions with identified priorities and goals, individuals can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and purpose, thereby nurturing a genuine balance in their lives.

                    • What is work-life balance

                      What is work-life balance

                      What is work-life balance? How do you balance work and home life? By knowing your priorities first and then scheduling them. Although, there would be times that this would not work, let me explain what I mean by this.

                      What we refer to as work-life balance is the delicate equilibrium between our professional responsibilities and our personal lives. Achieving this equilibrium involves conscientiously managing our time and energy to ensure that neither aspect overshadows the other. One effective way to strike this balance is by identifying our priorities and then organizing our schedules around them. By doing so, we can allocate ample time and attention to our work, while also reserving quality moments for our personal and family life.

                      However, it’s important to acknowledge that there may be occasions when this approach doesn’t yield the desired outcome. Circumstances beyond our control, unexpected challenges, or sudden shifts in priorities can disrupt even the most carefully crafted plans. In such instances, flexibility and adaptability become essential. It’s crucial to be responsive to changes and willing to adjust our schedules and strategies accordingly, allowing us to navigate through the unpredictability that life often presents.

                      Understanding the fluid nature of work-life balance is fundamental. While setting priorities and creating schedules provide a solid foundation, the capacity to be flexible and responsive to change is equally important. This combination of structure and adaptability can help us navigate the dynamic interplay between our professional and personal lives, fostering a greater sense of harmony and well-being.

                      The 40-hour workweek is a very great invention of man. When it became to a law that everyone must observe, suddenly, we did not need to work all the time. We spend working 8 hours a day and once that is done, we leave and do something else.

                      This system allows individuals to engage in diverse pursuits, whether it be spending quality time with family, pursuing personal hobbies, or contributing to community activities. Furthermore, it has paved the way for advancements in work productivity and employee well-being. This thoughtful allocation of time has certainly contributed to a more enriched and fulfilling life experience for many.

                      Well, that was before. Now, one of the key questions people get asked in an interview is our willingness to work longer hours, paid or unpaid. And since we need the job, we’ll definitely say yes.

                      However, we are in a shift. Longer hours would not cut it anymore. Almost no one wants to work beyond the normal 40 hours a week. In fact, there is an ongoing movement to further reduce that, and with the gig economy, to work when we want to.

                      And all of these changes are driven by our desire to find a more fulfilling life. A happier life. Being a workaholic is a thing of the past. Saying we did not sleep because there are too much things at work is now being frowned upon.

                      What should we do?

                      Finding a balance between work and life is all about prioritization. At a given time, we give enough time to what is important to us. For example, on a weekend, checking your emails and responding to people at work while you are out with your family having dinner only means that at that moment, all you think about is work and not really spending time with them. Why? Because your mind is somewhere else.

                      It may seem just a few seconds or a few minutes. It should be okay. That is what you keep telling yourself. However, that is where your balance lies. Your priority is to get things done at work. That is your first. The other things in your life only come second.

                      It’s crucial to set boundaries and be fully present in the moment, whether it’s dedicating focused time to work tasks or fully immersing yourself in quality time with loved ones. This is not just about physical presence, but also about mental and emotional presence. By being present and mindful, we can ensure that we are nurturing both our professional and personal lives, fostering a sense of fulfillment and contentment.“`

                      Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to become absorbed in the demands of work and place it above all else. While dedication to your career is admirable, it’s essential to ensure that maintaining this focus doesn’t overshadow the other meaningful aspects of your life. Finding a harmonious balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being is a challenge many face. Recognizing the importance of both work and personal fulfillment is the first step in achieving a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. By acknowledging the value of each aspect and allocating time and energy accordingly, you can strive to lead a more rewarding and enriched life overall. Remember, your well-being and happiness are just as important as your professional success.

                      And you may say that you are weighing the gravity of the situation and its impact so you attend to work stuff because there is nothing eventful going on during that dinner.

                      That is where you are wrong. Because, eventually, those little things that you move your attention away from will gradually get bigger and compound until it is too late to get them back.

                      And you may say that you are weighing the gravity of the situation and its impact so you attend to work stuff because there is nothing eventful going on during that dinner. That is where you are wrong. Because, eventually, those little things that you move your attention away from will gradually get bigger and compound until it is too late to get them back.

                      It’s crucial to recognize the significance of each moment, even when it may seem uneventful or insignificant at first glance. Often, it’s the accumulation of these seemingly small moments that can have a substantial impact on our lives. By being present in the here and now, we can actively engage with the details of our lives, preventing them from snowballing into larger, more daunting issues down the line. This mindfulness allows us to address concerns as they arise, maintaining balance and harmony in both our personal and professional spheres.

                      By acknowledging the importance of each moment, we can cultivate a proactive approach to managing our responsibilities and relationships, ensuring that we do not overlook vital aspects of our lives in favor of perceived immediacy. Embracing this mindset empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with greater ease, addressing challenges with timeliness and consideration. Remember, every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the larger tapestry of our experiences, and attending to them conscientiously can safeguard against future regrets.

                      So, how do you balance work and home life? For me it is simple. Spend enough time with both aspects of your life with enough attention and do not mix the two together. You’ll realize, eventually, something is changing. You become better than you were yesterday.

                    • Why passion is not a requirement to work

                      Why passion is not a requirement to work

                      Passion at work is said to be the enthusiasm and the excitement for what you do. It is that feeling that you feel a strong desire to do it. In effect, it spells the difference between doing the task and doing it very well.

                      When you are passionate about your work, it becomes more than just a job; it becomes a calling. The enthusiasm and energy you bring to your tasks can be infectious, spreading to those around you and creating a positive and productive work environment. Moreover, passion can drive innovation and excellence, as individuals who are deeply passionate about their work are often willing to go the extra mile to achieve outstanding results.

                      Furthermore, passion can fuel perseverance in the face of challenges. When you love what you do, you are more likely to persist in the pursuit of your goals, even when obstacles arise. This resilience can lead to significant personal and professional growth, as well as valuable contributions to the organization.

                      Ultimately, passion at work can lead to a sense of fulfillment and purpose, enhancing not only individual performance but also the overall success of the team and the organization as a whole.

                      I barely remember something that I read that passion can be pushed or developed. That it is not necessarily that we do what we really like to do because that is our passion. It is doing first so you create passion.

                      The concept of developing passion is indeed quite fascinating. It challenges the traditional belief that passion is an inherent, fixed quality, suggesting instead that it can be nurtured and expanded. By engaging in an activity and investing time and effort into it, individuals can gradually develop a strong affection and enthusiasm for it. This approach implies that passion is not solely determined by pre-existing interests, but can be cultivated through deliberate practice and dedication.

                      This perspective on passion encourages individuals to explore and immerse themselves in various activities, even those that may not initially spark a strong sense of passion. It emphasizes the role of active engagement and perseverance in cultivating a deep-seated passion over time. As such, it offers a hopeful and empowering outlook, suggesting that individuals have the capacity to shape their own passions through their actions and commitment.

                      However, in reality, for most of us, that rarely happens. We do not get to do our passion and get paid for it. There are a lot of musicians, artists, and people suffering at work because either they do what they love to do but suffering financially or are financially stable but stuck in that job they do not love.

                      Many individuals find themselves torn between pursuing their passion and ensuring financial stability. It’s a complex balancing act, and often the choice is not straightforward. Making a living from one’s passion is a dream for many, but the journey can be rife with obstacles, uncertainties, and sacrifices. Conversely, being financially stable in a job that doesn’t ignite the soul can lead to feelings of stagnation and unfulfillment. Finding the ideal equilibrium between passion and financial security is a quest that countless individuals embark upon, each grappling with their unique circumstances and aspirations. Ultimately, the pursuit of a harmonious blend of passion and sustenance is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for adaptability. It’s a journey fraught with introspection, difficult decisions, and perhaps a leap of faith, but the destination promises a life infused with purpose and fulfillment. So, whether one is grappling with financial hardship while pursuing their passion or feeling trapped in a job devoid of passion, know that the search for equilibrium is a shared pursuit, one that speaks to the universal human desire for a life rich in both meaning and security. Finding a path that aligns with one’s true calling while also ensuring financial well-being is a commendable endeavor that deserves recognition and support. It’s an odyssey that taps into the depths of human determination and innovation, ultimately enriching both the individual and the world at large. As we navigate the intricate tapestry of passion and financial stability, may we find the wisdom, courage, and opportunities needed to carve a fulfilling and sustainable existence, where passion and prosperity intertwine harmoniously, fueling a life of purpose and abundance.

                      If we take out the word passion and focus on doing what is needed to create an output with quality that achieves our goals, I think having that passion is unnecessary. By doing so, we focus on the solutions, actions, and results. Anyway, it is always the outcome that is important.

                      Passion is often viewed as a crucial element for success, but when we delve deeper into the essence of achievement, it becomes evident that unwavering dedication towards a goal takes precedence. When our energy is directed toward the necessary tasks that lead to high-quality outputs, our focus shifts from mere enthusiasm to disciplined action and problem-solving. Emphasizing the significance of passion may divert attention from the actionable steps that truly drive progress and produce tangible results. In this light, placing an emphasis on the process and the outcomes it generates bears more significance than an abstract concept such as passion. Therefore, it is through our commitment to efficient and effective execution that we truly pave the way for success.

                      Understanding our goals and the necessary steps to attain them is indeed crucial. By embracing this approach and taking decisive action, we pave the way towards not only achieving our ambitions but also experiencing a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment. The journey of setting our sights on a target, strategizing to reach it, and ultimately taking consistent action is a testament to the power of determination and the fulfillment it can bring. It’s a valuable perspective that resonates deeply with the human experience, highlighting the significance of intentionality and perseverance in our pursuit of contentment and success.

                      So to me, and from what I have been through and learned, if we focus on understanding what we want to achieve, know what we need to do to get it, and just do it, in the end, we’ll feel happy and fulfilled.