What if there were a busy-proof way to start doing more of what you do best each day? (Jacob Lund / Shutterstock.com)
When it comes to work, most of us long to be a little happier. But changing jobs, changing bosses, or simply finding more joy amid all the tasks on our daily to-do list often feels beyond our grasp. Many people are so busy that we're just trying to keep our heads above water. We don’t have the time, let alone energy, to improve our current situation.
But what if there were a busy-proof way to start doing more of what you do best each day, regardless of what your job description or your boss might say?
A growing body of research suggests that developing your strengths — the things you’re good at and enjoy doing — can leave you feeling more confident, energized and happy at work. The key is to create an 11-minute daily strength development habit by harnessing your brain’s neurological habit loop of cue, routine, and reward.
With the help of Live Happy and the VIA Institute, almost 4,000 people around the world have joined us for the free global Strengths Challenge, with many reporting this small daily practice has left them feeling more energized, engaged, respected, valued, and feeling like they were flourishing at work. All from just 11-minutes.
But what are the strength development habits that might work best for you?
1. CREATIVITY
When you wake up (cue), spend 10 minutes writing out any problems you're facing as concisely as possible and then list as many possible creative solutions as you can before identifying one to try that day (routine). Afterwards place a sticker on your reward chart and when full treat yourself to a massage (reward).
2. HOPE
Each morning when you go to get your morning coffee (cue), take 10 minutes to check in with one of your more hopeful colleagues and see what they’re excited about at the moment (routine). Then finish your coffee (reward).
Quickly checking in with your colleagues can put your day in perspective and help your motivation. (Cool_photo /Shutterstock.com)
3. DILIGENCE
When you get to work (cue), review your to-do list to ensure that you can still deliver on each of the tasks, and if changes need to be made, update all people involved so they know they can trust your word and plan accordingly (routine). Your reward can be something simple like a morning green tea (reward).
4. LOVE OF LEARNING
When you sit down in front of your computer in the morning (cue), watch a 10-minute video that teaches you something new (routine) and then post what you’ve learned on social media (reward).
Learning new knowledge will leave you satisfied and give you a sense of accomplishment. (fizkes / Shutterstock.com)
5. SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE
When it’s lunch time (cue), sit in the staff room and take the time to have a meaningful conversation with a colleague by asking genuine questions about how it's going/what’s going well (routine). Celebrate by eating your lunch (reward).
This article by Michelle McQuaid was originally published on Live Happy and appears here with permission.
