Do You Enjoy Work?

Do you enjoy work?

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?

Do you know what you would do even if you did not get paid for it?

Questions like this abound in the modern era. There is a strong encouragement for people to follow their passion and follow their dreams Many articles have been written about the importance of “doing what you love”. Famous people are often quoted extolling the virtue of going all in on the one thing you “were born to do”. 

What happens when you are not sure what “your thing” is? I was inspired by a quote attributed to Mark Twain that said, “Find a job you enjoy and you will never work a day in your life.” I remember thinking that would be an amazing place to be and then immediately wondering what I enjoyed so much that I could do it every day and it would not feel like work. The answer did not come quickly or easily. I spent 3 years exploring this concept. I am now blessed to have found the pathway into a space where I can claim in all sincerity that I love what I do.

When I reflected on how I found “my calling” it was surprisingly simple. The secret is just to start with what you do best, what comes effortlessly to you, and what you enjoy doing.

 What do you do best? 

Is that something you have ever given any thought to? 

A number of years back Kiri & I qualified as Gallup Strengths coaches and we have had the privilege of asking hundreds of people the question “What do you do best?” I am amazed at how many people do not know and how many laugh off the question claiming to be good at nothing. In our experience, everyone has something they are good at. Sometimes it can be ‘hidden’ in hobbies or interests that don’t have the glamour or commercial attention of other skills. Doing puzzles, training dogs, serving in a soup kitchen, playing musical instruments, reading, hiking - these all require a skill set. If it brings you joy and you are good at it then you likely have an innate skill or talent which you are drawing on. Taking time to find out what this is can help unlock an understanding of yourself and what drives and motivates you.

When we are doing things that we enjoy and that we find naturally easy and intuitive we are more likely to enjoy our work and find it satisfying and fulfilling. It is also easier to stretch and grow from a foundation of confidence and self assurance. Are you and your team in roles that utilise enough of your natural talents, skills and strengths?