In today’s fast-paced world, work can feel like a demanding chore rather than a rewarding journey. But what if we reimagine our professional life as a cherished friendship? On August 4, we celebrate Friendship Day 2024 and we’re going to explore how fostering a bond with your work can revolutionize your work experience. By understanding the interplay between energy, intuition, and proactive steps, we can transform our professional life into a source of joy and fulfillment. Shraddha Subramanian, India’s first intuition expert and certified executive and business coach, offers invaluable insights to help you build this special work relationship.
Harnessing positive energy
Energy is the lifeblood of productivity and job satisfaction. Positive energy fosters creativity, resilience and enthusiasm, while negative energy creates stress and burnout. To turn your job into your best friend, it’s essential to manage, recover and channel your energy effectively.
1. Create your energy map
Your energy map is your energetic blueprint. Identifying energy boosters and leaks as you become aware of your energy as High, Low, or Medium on the energy map is a way to replace low energy with high by recreating the emotions and feelings you were feeling during a high energy zone.
2. Mental, physical and emotional health
Cultivating a positive attitude is equally important. Start your day with a positive affirmation, exercise, or mindfulness practice. Engaging in energy-boosting activities, such as meditation or hobbies you enjoy, can replenish your mental energy. Developing strong emotional intelligence allows you to approach work challenges with composure and empathy, fostering a more harmonious work environment.
Taking advantage of intuition
Intuition is an often-overlooked asset in the workplace. It's that inner voice that guides your decisions and offers insights that go beyond logical reasoning. Tapping into intuition can lead you to make better decisions and have a deeper connection to your work.
1. Trust your instinct
When faced with a decision, take a moment to listen to your intuition. Often, your subconscious mind processes information faster than your conscious mind, resulting in those “gut feelings” that are accurate. Practice tuning into these feelings and continue to improve this skill.
2. Reflect and learn
Regular reflection helps you better understand your intuitive cues. After making decisions, reflect on their outcomes and the feelings you had at the time. This practice hones your intuitive skills and makes them more reliable over time.
Practical ways to a happier work life
In addition to managing your energy and intuition, implementing practical ways can further transform your work into a source of joy and satisfaction.
1. Align with your values
Making sure your work aligns with your personal values can significantly improve your job satisfaction. Reflect on what matters most to you and seek out projects or positions that resonate with these values. When your work reflects your core beliefs, it feels more meaningful and rewarding.
2. Set boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential. This separation prevents burnout and allows you to recharge your batteries. Communicate your boundaries to your colleagues and managers to create a harmonious work-life dynamic.
3. Build strong relationships
Positive work relationships can turn even the most challenging jobs into enjoyable experiences. Invest time in building relationships with colleagues, offering support, and celebrating successes together. A supportive work environment fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
4. Continuous learning
Adopt a growth mindset by seeking out opportunities for continuous learning and development. Pursuing new skills and knowledge keeps your job interesting and opens doors to exciting opportunities.
5. Celebrate the triumphs
Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small or big. The practice of writing down three good things at work every night before bed can help increase your joy and energy. Recognizing progress boosts your morale and inspires you to continue striving for excellence.
Create a harmonious work-life balance through friendship
Transforming your work into your best friend requires a holistic approach that combines managing your energy, trusting your intuition, and implementing practical methods for personal and professional growth. By focusing on these elements, you can cultivate a happier, more fulfilling work life, one in which your work becomes a source of joy, purpose, and lasting satisfaction. Remember that the path to a happier work life is a continuous one, and that each step you take brings you closer to a harmonious and rewarding professional experience.
(The author is Shraddha Subramanian, India's first intuition expert, certified business and executive coach, founder and CEO of Sparkling Soul)
