When it comes to the
research results on happiness in the American workforce, the statistics are not
flattering.
A recent survey by the
staffing firm Manpower Group discovered that nearly two-thirds of American and
Canadian workers were not happy in their job.
A recent Gallup survey
found that close to 60% of American workers were unhappy enough in their jobs
to want a new career.
Most of us have found
ourselves in a job that was not fulfilling at some point.
While psychologists and
social scientists believe some of our happiness is predetermined by our genes,
at least a major portion of it is within our control.
Regardless of your
situation at work, here are seven habits that people who have found happiness
at their jobs have mastered.
1. THEY HAVE COMMITTED TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING AS A
LIFETIME GOAL.
Happier people believe in
doing the best they can whether or not they are given credit for the work they
do.
Giving their best makes
them feel better about themselves. It creates character, builds self-regard,
and forms good work habits that will benefit them in the future regardless if
anyone in their present position notices or cares.
2. THEY HAVE GOALS WORTH STRIVING FOR.
People with clear goals
they are working toward are able to look beyond everyday workplace irritants
and problems.
They know they will be
temporary, and are able to see beyond them.
When things are not going
well, they focus on their goals instead of the negative situation that
surrounds them at work.
3. THEY DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN ISSUES BEYOND THEIR
CONTROL.
Happier people don’t let
themselves get emotionally caught up in negative vibes or gossip that is toxic
in the workplace.
They focus on the work at
hand and on what they are able to do.
They avoid getting
involved in issues and conflicts that do not involve them and are beyond their
area of involvement.
They always focus their
attention and energies on areas they have control over, which gives them a
sense of satisfaction,
4. THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP OTHERS.
Happy people are always
looking for ways they can help others.
Researchers at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison found that people who helped others at work
were happier than those who didn’t.
While helping others can
lead to promotion, there are also warm feelings of satisfaction that come from
helping out our fellow human beings.
5. THEY AVOID NEGATIVE PEOPLE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
When coming across a
negative person or chronic complainer at work, happy people find ways to try to
refocus on coming up with solutions or looking at the situation from another
angle.
Their positive energy
often causes complainers and whiners to avoid them since they know they will
not receive a sympathetic ear.
Happy people are aware
that negative people are an energy drain, and find ways to limit the amount of
time that they have to spend with them.
6. THEY MAKE GRATITUDE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR LIFE.
While they strive for more
in life, happy people are constantly aware of all the reasons they have to be
grateful.
They express their
gratitude freely and openly, and are quick to offer thanks to those who help
them or do a kind deed.
This attitude of gratitude
attracts people to the positive energy that they give off. Colleagues want to
be around them and work with them.
When things are not going
well, they choose to focus on all of the things that have gone well in their
lives.
7. THEY MANAGE THEIR EMOTIONS AND HAVE A SENSE OF
HUMOR.
Happy people automatically
try to make the most of every situation, whether at work, home, or play.
They have discovered they
can change their emotions by smiling or thinking of humorous situations.
They are also able to
distract themselves by thinking of pleasant, happy, fun times and places.
Whenever a situation comes
up that threatens to engulf them in negative energy, they rely on their ability
to rise above it and remain in a positive mental space.
Response Magic 
