Diane Bolden’s Synchronistically Speaking

Living on the Job

Do you ever feel that work is something you must “make it through” in order to get to the weekend?  I think at one time or another we have all felt that way (myself included).   When you look at the way most of us are indoctrinated into the world of work, it is easy to understand why many compartmentalize and keep it separate from their personal lives.  Work, we are often told, is not supposed to be fun.  That’s why they call it work.

Yet most of us occupy more of our waking hours in this activity than any other.   For better or worse, we spend more time with our coworkers than we do with our own families.  To live a life that is truly meaningful, we must factor in this large part of our everyday lives.  Life is too short to only truly live after 5pm and on the weekends.  And if ever there were a place that offers us a chance to perform our God given talents in a way that makes even a little difference, it is at work – where we are surrounded by others with whom we can pool our energy and passion to create something worth working for.  Day after day, we return to another opportunity to shine. 

To what degree do you show up on the job?  I don’t mean physically – but mentally, spiritually, holistically.  Do you see your work day as a series of boxes to be checked so that you can go home?  Do you refrain from sharing your humor, your dreams, your honest opinions and wildest ideas with people while you are there?  If so, you may not only be cheating them, but also yourself.   

People I coach who desire greater satisfaction and fulfillment at work often believe things might be better in a different job, with a different boss, or even in a different organization or company altogether.  Some believe they must leave their current situation in order to make a bigger impact.  While this may be true, once they have decided they cannot find what they seek where they are, they risk cutting themselves off from achieving it at all.   We cannot put conditions on our ability to be the people we were meant to be.  Either we are doing it, or we are not. 

When we are aligned with our true selves – those parts of ourselves that are creative, unique, strong, inspired, connected, passionate, present, and of service to others – we will find joy and satisfaction wherever we are.  We can zone in on that which we would most like to do in the future, and find small ways to embody it now – no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.  In the process, we will touch people’s lives and improve the quality of our own.  Challenges that require what we do best will find us, and as we rise up to meet them we will attract additional opportunities, resources, and people of like mind to assist us in rising to greater heights.   

In order to do this, we must resolve to live fully – both on and off the job.  In what ways might you have a greater opportunity to bring more of who you are to what you do?  What are you waiting for?  The world needs you now.

“Whatever you do in this life, take time to sit quietly and let the world tell you what it needs from you.  Take a moment to honestly understand what your gifts are – you all have them.  The way you choose to live your life brings meaning to your life.”  ~ Ann Reed

Copyright Synchronistics Coaching & Consulting 2009.  All rights reserved.

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