Work As Play! By Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, Ph.D. and President of the International Hypnosis Federation
Work As Play
By Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, Ph.D. and President of the International Hypnosis Federation
“Imagine after a day’s work thinking; ‘I feel good about my work… I do my best and feel blessed.’”
In my fifty years as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I notice that the happiest people are happy with themselves at work and consistently say, “I like what I do” and their happiness spills over into everything else… at home and at play.
My friend, Lianne La Reine, loves Maslow’s hierarchy of needs because it reminds her to make the best use of the gifts within and do what is good for the soul. “If you are true to the way you are made, you lose track of time, are in the moment, in the flow and in the zone,” Lianne, says.
DO THIS! ASK YOURSELF:
“What’s a perfect day at work for me?”
“Is my work life living up to my expectations?”
If not, ask, “How can I make my work live up to my expectations?” Here are helpful hints to keep you happy doing what it is that you do.
1. BE HAPPY PERIOD. I whined to my friend, Dennis who asked me, “What do you want Shelley.” “I want to be happy.” “Well, if you want to be happy… BE HAPPY.” If you had been in my head that day, you’d have heard me think; “that’s ridiculous” and then… “He’s right. Happiness is an inside job.” At the end of the day, if you want to be happy, improve your thoughts, words, attitude and behavior. My work mantra is “My work is my play, my play is my work… I love to plerk!”
2. MAKE IT INTERESTING! How you talk to yourself about work? Ask “What do I expect and value from what I do?” (Satisfaction, kindness, a fair salary, uplifting clients, co-workers, a chance to advance…) Your answers clarify and set the tone for your “I-Deal” focus.
3. BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED. My friend Sophie was so concerned about keeping her job that it permeated her life. She missed the now as she worried about her future. A brief encounter with a lady in the laundromat was best one of my life teachers. When one dryer didn’t work I changed to another dryer. The woman who ran the place. Asked, “what happened?” When I told her, she said with magnificent heartfelt sincerity; “There’s never a dull moment here.” The queen of the laundromat reminded me to look for the bright spots no matter what work you do. Enjoy the wonderful cornucopia of possibilities and what goes on around you here and now.
4. KEEP YOUR BOUNDARIES. You’re paid for your effort and time. It’s called work for a reason. The people at work are on your team and although they are “work mates” they are not usually soul mates. So keep your boundaries and avoid being emotionally invested; it brings poor returns. When you leave work really leave it and those folks behind and do your other life. Engage… disengage… merge then re-emerge.
5. MAKE MONEY SECONDARY. Obviously, you need to be paid for what you do SO you may need to ask for the money you deserve. Yet, when all is said and done and you’ve agreed on a sum, put that piece aside and focus on doing your best. As you do a good job, money happily happens.
6. TIME MANAGEMENT. Your energy and performance can vary given the circumstances and your mind state. So, take advantage of your most productive times. Intentional awareness will helps sustain peak performance. Realistic plans get things done.
7. MAKE TIME FOR PLAY My friend Christine told me, “Here I am wasting valuable time doing nothing.” A self-described “workaholic” she felt best when put to the test. Deadlines were her lifeline and she was so sad. All work and no play makes Dick, Jane and Christine dull.
8. WORK WITH THOSE WHO APPRECIATE YOU. A “bad” boss or company can make things miserable. The job market is doing well with an estimated ten million job openings at this time. Empathetic leaders are inclusive and listen well. So, if you decide this job or this boss is not for you, focus on your next step and apply for a new position that provides a better environment, more money, growth and increased happiness.
9. TAKE FIVE. It only takes a minute to get comfortable with still. A mindful or mindless break is a God send. So, take a break, close your eyes, take a nice full breath and let your mind drift off to wherever. Your authentic self will take you down a yellow brick road to your wise wizard within. When you return from a mini-vacay, and open your eyes, you’ll be refreshed and more innovative. A relaxed you more easily takes charge of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Be sure to be appropriate at work. My friend, Julian, told me how he had to wake up an employee to give him his paycheck.
10. SELF-REGULATION. Say “cancel” to any limiting thoughts and “YES!” to thoughts that make you your best. Learn from mistakes (I like to call them happy accidents) and you get better and better. Then pay mindful attention to the task at hand. NOW is your best time to be happy at work and remember, happiness is your inside job.
Local Personality, Shelley Stockwell-Nicholas, PhD is a hypnotherapist, mindfulness and NLP trainer, artist and the author of 25 books. She certifies practitioners through the International Hypnosis Federation. You can call her at 310 541-4844
