3 simple ways to be more engaged–at work and in life…

So, there are many definitions of work–the one that resonates with me is, “be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially in one’s job; do work.” Perhaps, the key word for us to ponder is ‘engaged’.

The Gallup Organization reports over half of American workers are not engaged with their jobs…aka their work, and it’s costing organizations a ton of money. Going to a job that you are less than engaged with is “living hell”. I’ve been there…not never ever going back. Our work should be important to us—we should apply our talents, we should gain resources to provide for our families, we should develop relationships, and we should grow. My passion for this is rooted in an experience I had in 1992 when a surge of electricity ripped through my body and stopped it…heart, lungs, everything…done. Interestingly enough, there was a part of me that did not stop…it continued on…and it “communicated.” “I” was never asked about what I did for work or where I went to do it. Yet, our work here in this world is important to us, and more than half of us really don’t care so much about it—and truth be told many simply bitch about it.

Might I suggest some things to consider?

1. Be certain you have developed a clear vision of what you want to create over the next 6 months to a year for yourself, your family, your team. And be sure to write this out in great detail…and in the past tense. This way our brain—which is designed to complete things—will work to get to the state of completion you described in your vision. Read your vision at least once a week (more in the beginning). To be engaged with our work it must be absolutely connected to our vision.

2. Be sure to slow down and examine your approach to managing all your stuff…emails, meetings, paper, voicemails, texts, etc. In this day in age, a strong approach and organization system is vital to generate and maintain control, focus and well-being. Keep your head clear—write things down—send yourself emails about things you need to do so you don’t have to try to remember them—break your vision into monthly goals—and always convert your stuff into action level. To be engaged with our work we must build strong habits and create and maintain an organization system that allows our heads to be clear and supports us in moving fast and easy.

3. And be sure to slow down and examine your approach to managing yourself…your mindset(s), your relation to the past/present and future, your energy, and your Spirit. I have found in working with people facing challenges , they’re focused on the past over half of the time—often experiencing regret and/or blame—and there is no traction in the past. Remember it’s not about what we do, but more importantly about how we show. To be engaged with our work we must show up and lead with LOVE!

Be well!