Do you spend your Sunday evenings dreading the upcoming week and trudge through your working life feeling like it’s some sort of karmic punishment? I get it… I’ve been there… you just don’t love what you do.
But you know what? You don’t know what’s coming tomorrow or where you’ll end up. I know it’s a cliche but life is too short to spend it sleepwalking through unfulfilling days at work.
If you’re anything like me, you probably didn’t think too much about enjoying your work when you started out… at that point in time it’s all about having a cool job title, making as much money as possible and climbing the ladder as fast as you can.
The truth is pursuing work you enjoy, that makes you feel good, isn’t just some hippie pipe dream, it’s the essential ingredient for a more rewarding life.
Ditch the grind, do what you love
Now, you might be thinking, “that’s easy for you to say, but I’ve got a lot of commitments that aren’t going to pay for themselves”.
But here’s the thing – 2019 research conducted by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School (collaborating with British Telecom) found a conclusive link between happiness at work and increased productivity.
And in a June 2023 Gartner survey of nearly 3,500 employees found those who are energised and excited by their work are 31% more likely to stay in with their current employer, 31% more likely to go above and beyond (discretionary effort), and contribute 15% more.
This all translates to not finding yourself worse off financially as a result of enjoying your work more… and less time spent feeling like you’re living your own professional Ground Hog Day.
Imagine waking with a sense of purpose, interest and enthusiasm for the day or week ahead. I’m not going to lie, you’re probably not going to leap out of bed every morning… but doing what you love makes the difficult days that much more tolerable.
5 reasons to do what you love for a living
1. FULFILMENT OVER FORTUNE
Your work shouldn’t just be a source of income. Sure, a big salary might buy temporary happiness, but fulfilment comes from doing work that’s aligned with your values. When you’re engaged in meaningful work, every task feels like a step toward a greater purpose. And guess what? The money often follow when you’re enthusiastic about what you do. People are drawn to authenticity, and clients/customers are more likely to invest in someone who genuinely loves their work.
2. UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY
When you’re happy at work, creativity flows effortlessly. You’ll find yourself thinking outside the box, coming up with innovative solutions, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or corporate executive, creativity is the secret sauce that sets you apart from the crowd. Embrace what makes you unique, and watch your career soar to new heights.
3. ENHANCE PERFORMANCE
As I mentioned early, the research shows that when you love what you do, you’re willing to go the extra mile, put in the time required, and tackle challenges head-on. This drive for excellence sets you apart from your competition and will propel you toward success. Plus, when you’re truly into your work, it doesn’t really feel like work. You’ll lose track of time, enter a state of flow, and accomplish more in a day than most people do in a week.
4. BECOME AN OPPORTUNITY MAGNET
Doing what you love isn’t just personally fulfilling; it’s also turns you into a magnet for opportunities. You’ll naturally attract like-minded individuals, collaborators, and mentors who can help you along your journey. Doors that were once closed suddenly swing wide open, and you find yourself in the right place at the right time, over and over again. It’s not luck; it’s just what happens when you follow your heart.
5. LEARNING AND GROWTH
When you love what you do, you’re eager to continue learning new things. Every challenge is an opportunity to expand your skills, deepen your knowledge, and evolve into the best possible version of yourself. Whether you’re mastering a new technique, honing your leadership skills, or navigating a complex problem, you approach each obstacle with curiosity and tenacity. And as you continue to grow, so too does your impact on the world around you.
When you love what you do, success takes on a whole new meaning. It’s the satisfaction of a job well done and the joy of making a positive impact.
Are you ready to stop waiting, wishing and talking about when you’re going to do “that thing” and actually make it happen. The How to Get Unstuck podcast is full of conversations with experts and everyday people who’ve navigated being stuck and share their tips for using the “stuck” feeling as a catalyst for what comes next.