Many people have had That One Co-Worker. You know the type: No matter what they're doing, they seem to love it. They have an enviable title and even better prospects in terms of promotion and advancement. It's like they were born for the job - in fact, you're starting to suspect they actually live at the office. Sound familiar? If so, the feeling of falling behind this person may also feel familiar. You may even have resigned yourself to the belief you'll never measure up, so why try? In fact, you can have the same joy-filled career experience. Here's how. The first step toward career success is to stop caring about other people's success. This doesn't mean you need to undermine your co-workers or become rude about their advancement. In fact, if you do lash out, you've failed to stop caring: You're still engaging with what others are doing, not with what you need to be happy. Instead, put everyone else and their careers outside your mind for a moment. Think about what you need to be happy in your career. Start by making a list of the things that motivate you to work (aside from a paycheck): Answer these questions for yourself only. Don't let expectations from others creep in. Ask yourself: If I had complete freedom to create a job that would make me happy, what would that job look like? Once you know what your "ideal happy" job looks like, it's time to start shaping your existing job to fit that mold. Look for opportunities that offer the things that make you happy on the job. For example, if there's a project that involves your favorite work-related topic, volunteer to participate. If you're interested in developing your skills in a particular area, ask if you can receive cross-training to work in that area as well as your own. Find someone who has your ideal job and ask to job-shadow them. Or work with a mentor. A mentor who is on the career path you envision for yourself can become one of your best allies. Since your mentor has walked the path before, they can help you spot and seize opportunities to make your actual job better match your ideal job. They can also provide perspective: Although many career paths look straight, in reality, most professionals have taken several detours before finding their true passion. Changing your career path to improve your happiness will involve some big goals and long-term effort. But you don't have to wait for those goals to materialize in order to change your mindset. In addition to addressing your big goals, make some small changes that can boost your happiness right away: Finally, remember that you don't have to go it alone when it comes to improving your work situation. A colleague can offer you job-shadowing opportunities. Your boss can help you create a clear path toward specific goals, like a new credential or promotion. A mentor can help you take your passions and turn them into concrete steps toward a job you'll love. Not only can you reach out to family, friends and colleagues, but a professional recruiter can help as well. Recruiters help professionals in various industries brush up their interview skills, polish their resumes, and find job prospects - but not just any job prospects. Your recruiter will take the time to get to know your skills, background, and career goals. They'll figure out what kind of workplace helps you thrive, and they'll only recommend employers they believe offer the right fit for you. Collaborating with the right teammates can give you an additional boost - and make your victories that much sweeter to celebrate. Get Selfish
Chase Your Happiness
Take Small Steps for Ongoing Rewards
Happiness: Best When Shared