It's about doing meaningful work that is true to your values

Tag: appreciation

Enjoying what you do well

By on March 31, 2021 in Meaningful Work with 0 Comments

I’m nearing the end of a big project that is one of the most enjoyable pieces of work I’ve had in years. I was thinking about why it’s going so well, and realized that I have autonomy to use a cumulation of skills that were learned in different projects over the years. Just as I’ve done many times before – although not necessarily for the same program – I’ve scoped plans, developed messaging, delivered training, triaged issues, and communicated with a broad set of stakeholders.

Not everything has gone according to plan, but it hasn’t been too difficult to work through problems because I’ve dealt with similar things in the past. I actually felt sense of accomplishment instead of stress when I was able to quickly untangle a complex issue and resolve it, because I knew exactly how to approach it based on previous experience.

It’s great to continuously learn and expand existing skills. But right now, I’m grateful that instead of stretching my capabilities, I can relax and enjoy doing the type of work that I know very well.

Recognizing when you need a break

By on August 30, 2020 in Living Your Values, Meaningful Work, Productivity with 0 Comments

I feel very fortunate to be working and enjoying my job right now, when so many people are unemployed or have limited opportunities to change roles. I also feel worn out from all the hours and energy I’ve put into both paid and volunteer work in the last couple of months. Although I have no right or desire to complain, I realize that I need to take a break before I start trudging through unproductive workdays or get so run down that I get sick.

Next week, I’m looking forward to a three-day weekend, when I will completely unplug from all work from Friday afternoon until Tuesday morning. This weekend, I practiced setting that boundary in a couple of ways. First, by letting others know I would fulfill my obligations during the workweek and second, by turning my attention back to the present whenever I started thinking about my work to-do list.  

It wasn’t the most exciting weekend, but putting work out of my mind and focusing on what was in front of me made me extra appreciative of the great dinner I ate, the perfect temperature on my afternoon walk, and the fact that today was the first time in three weeks that I washed a load of laundry without a tissue hidden in a pants pocket.

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