When I do an individual coaching session, I sometimes ask, “If you won $100 million in the lottery tomorrow, would you still be going into work next week?”
Unsurprisingly, for most people, the answer is a definite “no.” They may think I am then going discuss something about work-/life balance or bring up the old saying that “No one on their deathbed says, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’”
Nope.
My next question is: “What would it take for that to be a tough call for you?”
What gets you excited about going to your current job? What gives you that purpose, that inspiration, that joy? What would you miss if you left?
That’s the good stuff.
The question after that is: “Are there ways to bring out more of that in your day?” Can you find ways to do more of the good stuff? Can you maximize the energizing and fulfilling parts of your job? Can you make more of your professional life something you enjoy and look forward to?
Do more of that good stuff.
Not everything in our professional lives is going to be on this level—some things will still be boring or annoying—but the things that make work exciting for you will keep you motivated, focused, and productive, if you can find ways to bring them into your regular routine.
And of course, the next step is to help your team members do the same. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Some people prefer collaborative and creative projects. Others prefer working autonomously using a logical process. Some people prefer predictability; others like to mix things up and work on different projects. Tailor it to the individual.
“We get to go to work today!”
(Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash)