This person says: “Just give your barest minimum at work because your work does not define you.” It may be evident that the person who said this does not understand work and does not understand life. By the way, in a column I featured some months ago, he expressed regret and said, ‘quiet quitting’ does not work for him. He actually quit his job. But the TikTok video he created went viral. Many people believe it and accept it as gospel truth. Another one presents a video on how and when you should quit your job, especially if you are unhappy. Blogs and posts like these probably come from someone without a job or knowing the meaning of happiness. Welcome to the world of social media featuring pseudo-experts and self-proclaimed gurus mimicking trending TikTok viral videos, rehashing them, and presenting the same with the sole purpose of soliciting likes and clicks to the harm of innocent readers and viewers who accept them and form their work and life philosophy to their detriment.
Work is an integral part of our lives, and we spend significant time at our workplace. It is a goldmine of life lessons we can all learn from. These lessons give us valuable insights that can make a significant difference in our personal and professional lives. We should reflect on our work experiences and see how they shape our lives while being mindful and open to learning. Let me share some ideas.
The right tools increase our productivity
Imagine your frustration in having a broken printer, a malfunctioning keyboard, or a jammed stapler. Not only does it hinder your productivity, but it also makes your workday stressful.
Our tools do not only refer to office equipment, but the tools that can make us effective and efficient are knowledge and skills – the constant pursuit of excellence, seeking knowledge and expertise. Upgrading and updating our skills makes us more productive and prepares us for growth in our career and craft.
Respect. Kindness. Positivity matter
The world feeds us with non-stop negativity. A cheerful and hopeful disposition is like a ray of sunshine in a dark place.
Being thoughtful and kind toward others can create a positive work environment and build strong connections with our leaders, colleagues and customers. Respect and acts of kindness significantly impact our personal and professional relationships.
Focus. Reflection and pacing allow for progress
Time is the scarcest commodity, and in today’s fast-paced world, we often forget the value of slowing down and taking a break. However, taking a step back and giving yourself time to think can lead to new ideas and solutions. It has been proven that creative ideas do not happen when we force them to happen, but they pop up when we are relaxed and focused. Plan for lulls or downtime in our business, as these periods can be an excellent opportunity for growth and development. These moments allow us to reflect on our work and think creatively, which can lead to increased productivity and better decision-making.
Mindful of the present
We often take the present moment for granted. There is no benefit to life for people who are still fixated on the past, whether past failures or successes. And there is no value in unnecessarily worrying or fearing the future. This is why businesses have strategic business planning. Contrary to what many need help understanding, strategic planning is not only trying to figure out what to do but also what is going on.
And focus on the past or future. However, today is a unique opportunity that will never repeat itself. It’s essential to make the most of the present moment and focus on what we can do today. By being present and mindful in our work, we can significantly impact our lives and the lives of others. Today is a precious gift, and we should use it wisely.
Work and life values matter
Review your company’s corporate values and reflect on them. Many are surprised when I present the same values they have for work and illustrate how they integrate with values for life and living.
Values serve as our business and life compass that proverbially points to True North, which helps us navigate through the challenges and uncertainties of life. When a crisis occurs or pressure is exerted, the propensity to cut corners and take shortcuts may seem like a quick fix, but they often come at a cost.
Our workday is full of valuable life lessons we can learn if we’re open to them. By using them, we can lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. And as I repeatedly say, work is the most critical platform that shapes our life values and character.
(Francis Kong’s podcast “Inspiring Excellence” is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms).