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FIND FULFILLMENT IN TODAY’S ACHIEVEMENTS! Happiness is a funny concept. Many believe it lies in a distant future, as in, “I’ll be happy when…” The reality is, if you think happiness is elsewhere, you’ll always be right—because it will never be where you are. Happiness is a state of mind, not a state of hope.
I’ve experienced the elusiveness of career happiness firsthand. Over my 36-year career, as a consultant, executive recruiter, and career coach, I’ve helped people and companies realize their potential. I’ve worked with tens of thousands of individuals, many of whom are unhappy and spend their careers in roles well beneath their capabilities. Interestingly, most people agree their happiness is more about their feelings toward their situation than the situation itself. Their trajectory matters more than their current status. If they feel they’re on an upswing, they’re generally content.
In my new book, The Zebra Code: A Step-By-Step Guide to Mastering Career Skills That Make You a Standout Professional, I address the systemic issue behind career unhappiness: the lack of professional growth.
My firm milewalk® interviewed more than 15,000 job candidates, over a 15-year period, regarding the reasons they were unhappy and left their jobs. The top two reasons were poor management and lack of growth opportunities.
Your career management is not something you can delegate. Post-academia, many struggle to find a clear path for growth, often hopping from job to job or endlessly searching how-to videos online for answers, which leads to frustration rather than fulfillment.
So, how can employees find happiness, career satisfaction, and fulfillment? I advocate a proactive approach to help employees enjoy the journey and position themselves for success both within and outside their companies. The Zebra Code offers a framework for developing a career plan, identifying essential skills, and effectively implementing this plan. However, for immediate improvement in job satisfaction and future prospects, I recommend starting a Career Achievements Journal (download FREE).
This journal serves multiple purposes: it’s a tool for performance reviews, a way to enhance your resume, and a means to prepare for effective job interviews. It also acts as a reflective practice, helping you recognize and value the impact of your work. By documenting specific elements of your projects—such as scope, challenges, solutions, outcomes, benefits, and lessons learned—you not only prepare for future opportunities but also gain immediate satisfaction from acknowledging your accomplishments.
Reflecting on your progress is crucial. I often say, “No matter who you are or how successful you are, you’ll never feel successful unless you reflect.” That’s because we often focus on what we haven’t achieved rather than how far we’ve come. This journal allows you to see the tangible results of your efforts, enhancing your sense of achievement and satisfaction.
The “diary” aspect of this journal is invaluable for your future positioning. Consider how difficult it is one month or one year from now to recollect the details of your work projects. That’s why it’s vital to capture the key data while you’re performing the project.
Imagine how much more effective your résumé bullets and job interview stories will be when you have this information readily available. How often have you tried to update your résumé or express your accomplishments only to wish you would’ve captured this information? Now, you won’t need to worry about that because you’ll have all the information whenever you need it.
In conclusion, happiness in your career is attainable by shifting your focus from the distant future to the present. By actively engaging in your professional growth and reflecting on your achievements, you can cultivate a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Your Career Achievements Journal can serve as a powerful tool to remind you of your progress and impact, ensuring you not only recognize your value but also communicate it effectively to your boss and future employers. Embrace the journey, celebrate your victories, and let your career be a source of happiness today.