Achieving happiness at work isn’t as elusive as it might seem. Often, it’s not about adding more to our routine, but letting go of certain behaviors that hold us back.
And trust me, there’s a big difference between merely surviving at work and genuinely thriving.
Surviving at work is being stuck in a cycle of counterproductive behaviors. Thriving, however, is about consciously choosing to let go of these behaviors for a more positive work experience.
Want to know what you should say goodbye to? In this article, we’ll explore the 9 behaviors you need to ditch if you want to be happier at work.
Let’s get started.
1) Ditching the perfectionist mentality
Striving for excellence in your work is one thing, but dwelling on perfectionism can be a real happiness killer.
Perfectionism is a trap. It has us constantly chasing an unattainable ideal, causing stress, burnout, and frustration. And let’s face it, in most work environments, perfection is not only impossible but also unnecessary.
What’s important is progress. It’s about improving performance, learning from mistakes, and moving forward. Accepting that “good enough” really is good enough can be liberating.
If you want to increase your happiness at work, start by saying goodbye to that perfectionist mentality. It’s about being better than you were yesterday, not perfect.
2) Avoiding the comparison trap
In my early career, I fell into the dangerous habit of comparing myself to others. It seemed like colleagues were always achieving more, earning more recognition, or advancing faster.
This constant comparison was a happiness drain. It made me feel inadequate and overshadowed my own accomplishments.
Then, I realized the truth: everyone has a different path. We have different strengths, different priorities, and different journeys. Comparing ourselves to others is an unfair metric that only leads to dissatisfaction.
Once I stopped comparing and started focusing on my own growth, my happiness at work increased significantly. I began to appreciate my own accomplishments and value my unique contribution.
3) Overworking and not setting boundaries
We live in a culture where being busy is often equated with being important or successful. But research shows that consistently working long hours can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
In Japan, there’s even a term for this – “Karoshi”, which literally translates to “death by overwork”. It’s a serious issue that reflects the potential dangers of not setting work-life boundaries.
Setting boundaries at work, like knowing when to switch off your emails and taking regular breaks, is crucial for maintaining balance and overall happiness. It allows you to recharge, reduces stress and helps you perform better when you are working.
4) Neglecting self-care
Self-care often falls by the wayside when we’re caught up in work. We skip meals, ignore exercise, and sacrifice sleep to meet deadlines. But here’s the thing: neglecting self-care doesn’t just impact our health; it also affects our happiness at work.
When we take care of ourselves physically, we’re better equipped to handle stress and maintain focus. Exercise releases endorphins (the “feel good” hormones), a healthy diet fuels our brain, and adequate sleep enhances our cognitive functions.
If you’ve been ignoring self-care in the name of work, it’s time to say goodbye to that behavior. Prioritize your health by integrating regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep into your routine. Trust me – not only will your health improve, but you’ll also find yourself happier at work.
5) Holding onto negativity
We all have bad days at work, and that’s perfectly normal. What’s not healthy is holding onto that negativity and allowing it to infiltrate every aspect of your work life.
Negativity can manifest in many forms – constant complaining, dwelling on past mistakes, or persistently focusing on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. This behavior can be draining, not just for you but for those around you.
Letting go of negativity and adopting a more positive attitude can drastically improve your work happiness. Focus on solutions rather than problems, learn from past mistakes instead of dwelling on them, and try to find the good in each situation.
6) Not asking for help
We’ve all been there. Overwhelmed by tasks, under pressure, and feeling like we’re drowning. Yet, many of us hesitate to ask for help. Maybe it’s pride, fear of appearing weak, or simply not wanting to inconvenience others.
But here’s a heartfelt truth: It’s okay to ask for help. We’re all human, and no one expects us to handle everything alone. In fact, seeking help when needed shows strength and self-awareness.
When I was struggling with a project once, I finally reached out to a colleague. Not only did this lighten my workload, but it also strengthened our work relationship. Asking for help made me realize that we’re all in this together.
7) Ignoring your passions
I’ve always had a passion for creative writing. But for years, I buried it under piles of spreadsheets and reports, convincing myself that it had no place in my professional life.
Over time, I realized how much I missed expressing my creativity. So I started incorporating it into my work – drafting creative project proposals, designing engaging presentations, and even starting a company blog.
The result? My job satisfaction skyrocketed. By integrating my passion into my work, I found more joy and fulfillment in what I was doing.
8) Resisting change
Change is a constant in any work environment. New projects, team reshuffles, policy changes – you name it. But many of us resist change, seeing it as a threat or a source of stress.
However, resisting change can keep us stuck in a rut, preventing growth and breeding discontentment. On the other hand, embracing change can open up new opportunities, stimulate personal development, and keep things fresh and exciting.
If you’ve been resisting change at work, it’s time to say goodbye to that behavior. Embrace the new and view change as an opportunity rather than a threat. You might be surprised at how much happier it can make you at work.
9) Forgetting to appreciate yourself
We often get so engrossed in our work that we forget to appreciate ourselves. We complete one task and move onto the next without taking a moment to acknowledge our accomplishments.
But here’s the key: appreciating yourself boosts your self-esteem, motivates you to perform better, and contributes significantly to your happiness at work.
Take a moment every day to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Celebrate your wins. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You deserve it.
Final thoughts: Happiness is a choice
The renowned psychologist, Abraham Maslow, once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
From ditching the perfectionist mentality to appreciating ourselves, the choices we make significantly impact our work happiness.
So, as you navigate your work life, remember that you have the power to choose happiness. Reflect on these behaviors, let go of what’s holding you back and take that step forward into growth.
After all, our journey towards happiness at work is not about a destination. It’s about making conscious choices each day that lead us towards contentment and fulfillment.