Five strategies to help you be happier at work

Modern workplaces can be a source of unbearable stress, looming deadlines and existential fear, especially in times of inflation and economic crises. However, according to Jason Shen, an executive coach who helps people manage changes in their professional and private lives, resilience is not an innate trait but a set of skills that we can all develop to improve how we respond, build and think about change.

In this article, we present five strategies for enhancing personal resilience at work.

Accept that work is chaotic

It's essential to accept the fact that work is often messy and chaotic. The most critical problems are those without clear solutions, meaning the only job left is one that changes rapidly and demands resilience. Accepting that work is chaotic can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of control. Additionally, it's important to develop habits and routines that provide a sense of stability in your personal and professional life, such as weekly discussions with a trusted colleague or morning yoga.

Cultivate flexibility

Flexibility is a key skill for enhancing personal resilience. It means the ability to adapt to new situations and quickly change plans when challenges arise. It's crucial to learn to adjust to situations we cannot control and take charge of those we can.

Build resilience to failure

Resilience to failure is a crucial skill for survival in the modern business world. It's important to understand that failure is not the end but an opportunity for learning and growth. When you experience failure, it's important to analyze what happened, what you've learned from it and how you can do better in the future.

Find your purpose and meaning

When facing challenges at work, it's easy to lose perspective and the sense of meaning in your work. Therefore, it's essential to focus on your purpose and find meaning in what you do. This can help maintain your motivation and focus, making it easier to cope with challenges. One of the keys to successful personal resilience is having a clear sense of purpose. When you know what your purpose is and why you do what you do, it's easier to endure tough moments and challenges.

Application in practice:

Think about what motivates you to do your job. Why did you choose your career and what matters to you in it? Try to find meaning in what you do and focus on your purpose.

If you find it challenging to find your purpose, consider how your work contributes to your community or society as a whole. Perhaps your job helps others or contributes to an important goal. Focus on these aspects of your work to find meaning and purpose in what you do.

Develop your skills

When facing challenges at work, it's crucial to have the necessary problem-solving skills and the ability to overcome obstacles. Therefore, it's essential to develop your skills and continuously work on improvement. One of the key components of resilience is the ability to face changes and problems in the workplace without losing productivity and problem-solving abilities. Developing your skills helps you stay ahead of challenges and prepare for what's to come.

Application in practice:

Identify the skills you need for successful job performance and focus on improving them. You may need further education or training to develop these skills.

Also, consider skills not directly related to your job, such as communication or teamwork skills, which can be useful in various work situations.