The Association for Psychological Science’s research shows that long-term professional stress not only negatively affects mental health but also causes serious physical health problems and cognitive decline. These impacts can be lessened, though, by implementing techniques that promote happiness, optimism, and hope. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement states that putting more emphasis on fostering joy at work as opposed to merely lowering burnout has been demonstrated to increase engagement and decrease burnout rates by improving employee satisfaction, lowering stress, and enhancing general well-being.
We can create happy, positive work environments by proactively addressing the things that stand in the way of fulfillment, connection, and purpose. You can be more productive and present for other people when you take better care of yourself. These four techniques can help leaders find happiness, hope, and optimism during the workday.
1. Determine your motivation
In order to connect with yourself, you must first accept your why, which is the motivation for everything you do.
Ikigai, which means “a reason for being” in Japanese, refers to the actual meaning, fulfillment, and purpose of your life. This idea says that by balancing your values, talents, and passions with meeting the needs of the world, you can find fulfillment and meaning in your life.
How to Ikigai author Tim Tamashiro defines it as “the inherent gifts you possess, which you can naturally share with others, thus illuminating and enriching their lives” on an episode of the podcast on the Arena.
Héctor García and Francesc Miralles’ Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life poses the following questions, which you might use to try and find yours:
- What interests and pursuits make you happy and passionate? You can use this information to identify your passion or what you enjoy.
- What abilities and skills can you use for the benefit of society? This assists you in identifying your calling, or what you are strong at.
- In what way can the world recognize and honor your contributions? This helps in figuring out what (your career) you are deserving of rewards.
- What beneficial contributions can you offer to society as a whole? This supports you in identifying what the world (and your goal) need.
The things that make you happy, your special talents, and what the world needs from you are what keep you going. Your work can be given new life and meaning if it is in line with these components. If mentoring others excites you, for instance, go have a coffee and strike up a conversation with a less experienced team member. It raises spirits, benefits them, and is satisfying for you. It also adds enjoyment to your work. Or, if you like planning get-togethers, create a Friday playlist in which participants contribute their all-time favorite song. It’s an easy approach to foster relationships, share happiness, and lighten the workday.
2. Adopt the attitude of a newbie
Sometimes the everyday grind causes us to lose sight of new opportunities.
Do you recall the elation you felt upon receiving your first job offer or your most recent promotion? Those first few days were full of promise, and everything looked possible. You felt like you were on air when you were introduced to new people, opportunities, and initiatives.
Can you recall the moment that spark lost its intensity as well? When once-exciting circumstances started to seem boring? It may have begun when a coworker left and you were forced to take up their responsibilities without receiving a raise or meeting deadlines, which led to feelings of loneliness, irritation, and weariness. Maybe you got frustrated with your team, supervisor, or coworkers, or you thought you couldn’t accomplish anything at all.
It had burned you out.
The effect of changing from an enthusiastic novice to a tired, overworked drudge is felt by more people than just you. Families, friends, coworkers, and those under your supervision can all sense it. A beginner’s mind has numerous possibilities, but an expert’s mind has few, according to Shunryu Suzuki, author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Having an open mind and being curious as a novice is known as Shoshin, or beginner’s mind, in Zen Buddhism. This mindset cultivates awe, a willingness to learn, and curiosity and, free from prior information and biases, broadens our viewpoint and potential. It can also help us overcome feelings of being stuck or burned out.
Your team can discover untapped possibilities and develop an open mind by being encouraged to approach tasks and difficulties from a fresh perspective. Demonstrating an inquisitive attitude towards diverse viewpoints and methods might serve as an example of this mindset.
Rather than automatically resorting to previously solved issues, ask yourself and your group, “What can we learn from this? How could we interpret this differently?” Approach talks with an open mind, eager to learn more, and observe how you develop deeper, more meaningful relationships. Taking this approach lessens the pressure to know everything and fosters creativity while improving self- and other-awareness.
3. Disperse happiness and thankfulness like glitter
Gratitude and acknowledging others’ accomplishments can be proactive ways to improve people’s moods, fortify bonds, and create a positive work environment. Studies conducted by the UC Berkeley-based Greater Good Science Center demonstrate that a culture of thankfulness at work promotes better mental health, stronger team cohesion, and higher job satisfaction.
In order to invigorate the room and fortify social ties, my colleague Maneesh Goyal instituted the “confetti” tradition at board meetings. He shared personal images and stories of proud occasions as well as tidbits of life outside the boardroom. Consider someone who has lately assisted you or accomplished anything noteworthy in light of this. Express your gratitude with a kind gesture that makes a statement. Commence meetings with shout-outs, notes, or modest gifts to show your team’s accomplishments. These actions raise spirits and create a feeling of community.
Motivate your group to follow suit. During team meetings or one-on-one conversations, make it an enjoyable ritual to discuss insightful or original discoveries. Celebrating small victories and deeds of kindness can cheer people up, remind them of their good influence, and ease persistent tension. Sprinkle these happy moments throughout your onboarding process, feature them on your career website, and take advantage of every chance to make your workplace a happier, more connected place to work.
4. Give yourself more happiness
Bad days are unavoidable. Keeping a “Happy Folder” with encouraging notes and sentimental photos on your desktop might help you feel better when work gets too much. It also serves as a reminder of your worth. One of my favorite parting notes is this one, which says, “I know you advocate for us even though we may not see it, but we sense it,” and it is from a team member.
In difficult times, this small habit helps me refocus and keeps me motivated.
How recently have you told yourself “good job,” “you are worthy,” or “it’s okay”? Give yourself the same love and respect that you give to others by letting go of your criticism of yourself. Positive self-talk has been shown in studies to enhance mental health by lowering anxiety and depression, increasing confidence, and fostering resilience. Your performance can be improved by adopting a positive mindset, just like Olympic athletes who meditate and practice positive self-talk. You’ll refuel and be better equipped to encourage and assist your team by doing this regularly. Joy is contagious; if you show people how to feel it, they will follow suit, starting a positive feedback loop.
What makes me happy about my work is a question you should ask yourself when you need a boost. If I were to stay here for five more years, what would my role have to be true? What is the best way for me to impact my team and spread the word? Rekindling your collective spark and overcoming the harshness of the outside world, this focus can turn work into a place of lightness and connection.
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A leadership attitude, not just a contemporary take on management self-care, is what it means to integrate joy, hope, and optimism inside teams. Keep in mind that the goal is to create a work environment where you and your staff can enjoy yourselves, not merely get through the hardest days.
(Tashia Bernardus)