Why do you work?
Let’s be honest. Work isn’t always fun and games. So why do we work then? Although there are experiments with an universal basic income which provides the minimum to survive, I believe there can be bigger cause. As universal basic income is not common yet, let’s take a look at Maslov’s pyramid:
As work provides you with income, it contributes to your basic (physiological and safety) needs. Income buys you food, a place to live, utilities and health care (insurance).
Next to that, assuming you work at a company, working also provides you with need for belonging. You are part of a group, a team. Colleagues might become friends and you develop relationships with them. And when you work you will achieve things. This will provide you with self-esteem and the need for feeling of accomplishment. If this isn’t the case you should find a different position, as you will burn out. Sooner or later.
Lastly, and this is where it gets fascinating, working could fill your need for self-fulfillment. If you do something you really care about and you are in an environment where you can be the best you can be you will feel awesome. And it probably doesn’t feel like work at all.
Fall in love with the problem, not the solution
As humans, we have the tendency to think in answers and solutions. These give us the feeling of achievement, of accomplishment. But as with everything in live: context will change and solutions need to change as well.
“Life is what happens to you, while you’re busy making other plans.”
– John Lennon
Therefor I believe you should fall in love with the problem you’re trying to solve. Your BHAG (Big Hairy Audicious Goal) as described by Jim Collins in serval of his books. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find a craft to specialize in. For example: a software developer obviously solves problems by creating solutions with software. But the goal should not be to develop software, but to solve the problem. Like a surgeon’s goal is not to operate, but to help people get better. It’s that end goal you should fall in love with. Because if you do you will love what you do.
Balance your life
As mentioned in the article about our first core value Fit balance is important. With work getting more hybrid, accelerated by COVID, this is something to look out for. Especially when you love what you do. This may sound a bit contrary, but remember you need to sharpen your saw.
For me balance means that you are able to do what you need to do. If you need some additional time for yourself or your family that’s okay, if you need to put in some extra effort to complete a project that’s okay too. Work and personal life should not be opposing factors, Don’t let the time of day decide where you should focus on. This way you create a sustainable situation.
Work hard, play hard and become awesome
You are probably spending a significant amount of time contributing to your work. And that’s fine. Really. If it is something you love you probably want to do it! Just make sure you get time to play as well. Taking time to play will increase and/or free up head space which in turn will stimulate the generation of ideas. And ideas are potential solutions for the problem you love.
There are other ways to stimulate this. And if you do it with people you like it might be even more enjoyable too! How about to go outside together. Go for a walk or run or maybe even a work out? How about you engage in some games together? It will help you to get to know each other better and this will stimulate you even more to be the best you can be.
Remember: keep doing what you love and make sure to take time for yourself when needed! The end result will be amazing.
I can help your teams or organization to have more fun in their work. Check out my services or contact me for more information!
