PurpleLine Consulting

Make 2010 Different

“Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.” Colleen C Barrett

“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” Pearl S Buck

How has 2010 started for you, with a new year and a new decade ahead?

And how does it feel to be back at work? Are you pleased to be there, motivated and enthusiastic about what lies ahead? Or dreading the next year of doing more of the same?

Or perhaps you are not currently working and whether due to redundancy, lack of a clear career path or opportunity, the future in your world of work looks bleak.

What metaphors would you use to describe your current work situation? Is it like a beach, flying, being on the crest of a wave or a treadmill, a battle, an uphill struggle, drowning, a desert?

And what would you prefer it to be like? A breeze, like running a marathon – challenging and hard work, yet a huge achievement or like building the house of your dreams?

I’m currently reading Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book Outliers: The Story of Success. This book explores why some people achieve so much more than others in a variety of contexts. It’s fascinating.

In the context of work, Malcolm says “...three things - autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and rewards – are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between nine and five. It’s whether our work fulfils us.”

So what are you choosing to prioritise over and above finding work that fulfils you? What is stopping you from achieving the job you want and a good balance between work and other important parts of your life, like your relationships and your leisure interests?

“So many fail because they don’t get started – they don’t go. They don’t overcome inertia. They don’t begin.” W. Clement Stone

Making a change starts with a single step. With something like:

• looking for an opportunity to make the most of your current situation – for example, by volunteering to do something different – in your workplace or outside. The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it and you might find you do – and it leads you in a direction you want to go.

• mixing with some different people - For example asking to shadow someone in another department or organisation to find out what they do. Who knows what you could learn or what this might lead to until you give it a go.

• looking at job ads – in newspapers or online. But try this different approach. Look for words and phrases in ads that appeal to you. Keep a note of these, add to the list often and review them from time to time. What are the common themes? How are they similar or different to what you have done before? How will they influence your future work decisions?

Imagine exploring these issues and more, focusing on them, discovering clarity about the direction you’re heading for and what type of work suits you, your skills and your preferences, identifying actions to make the best of the current situation and generate a plan and confidence for the future. Imagine how much better that is than feeling powerless, frustrated or trapped.

If this sounds appealing, take a look at my new coaching programme. It will provide you with the support you to make the changes you want in your working life during 2010 and to realise your potential at work.

Visit Want 2010 to be different? to find out more.

There’s an earlybird offer for the first five people to sign up. And if you know someone else who would benefit, then forward this email to them. They’ll be pleased you did.

On the blog this month:

What matters now Answer these questions to assess whether you have what it takes.

Welcome 2010 - and a giveaway – an innovative way of getting an important message across.

Some interesting links:

Read about these different approaches to work - approaches which can bring you new motivation and results:

How I work – Jason Fried of 37 Signals describes his interesting work and lifestyle as a successful entrepreneur.

How to benefit from a freelancer’s mindset – if the paycheck doesn’t arrive at the end of the month unless you get out there and get the business.

Why you should fire yourself – how adopting a new recruit’s mindset can bring new energy to your work.

Are there particular topics you’d like to see covered in future newsletters? Please let me have your suggestions.

And who else could benefit from reading this too?

Till next month,

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