We know that running a business is hard work. Yet, research indicates that generally speaking, entrepreneurs are happy people. And why wouldn’t they be?
Not everyone can be their own boss. So being able to break free from the shackles of a 9-5 job to pursue one’s dreams and build a business certainly offer reasons to smile.
Even so, it’s not always a walk in the park.
Some entrepreneurs say that owning a business involves so much dedication and commitment that one can often forget to look on the bright side of life.
If this describes you, it’s probably time to change things up and adopt a fresh outlook at work.
In conjunction with the International Day of Happiness on 20 March, here are five tips to boost your mood at work.
Start your day right
‘Rise and shine’ is more than a phrase. It’s an attitude that sets the tone for the day. The thing is, starting your day bright requires, first and foremost, a good night’s rest.
Do you often wake more tired than when you hit the hay? Many direct sellers and business owners have so much on their plates that they don’t get enough sleep.
Yet, rest is key to waking up on the right side of the bed and being happy throughout the working day. So start focusing on those Zs.
Want to give yourself an even happier head start? Don’t check your phone first thing in the morning!
Instead, try silently expressing gratitude for your blessings and only then, wake up.
Plan it out
To ensure maximum efficiency and high spirits, you should start your day by organising and scheduling tasks.
The best entrepreneurs know that every minute matters. And there’s nothing more stressful than rushing to meet deadlines.
Also, to ensure less strain, try attacking tasks in order of significance.
This may seem a tad tedious, but it helps to remember that completing tasks on a list boosts one’s mood, leaving you less stressed and more buoyant for the rest of the day.
Take breaks
Focusing on completing tasks, however, doesn’t mean ploughing through the day with nary a break.
For optimum effectiveness, it’s recommended that you press pause between the many meetings and client pitches you’ve scheduled.
Sure, respite can sometimes seem impractical given all the tasks that need to be accomplished in a 24-hour day.
Yet the science is clear — taking frequent breaks for things like lunch, a trip to the gym or even a bit of shuteye makes one calmer and, thereby, more productive.
Of course, success doesn’t come without total dedication. But dedication also means being committed to your health and happiness.
Spruce it up
One other thing that’s sometimes brushed off as being inconsequential in determining your mood is your work surroundings.
Is your office bright and airy? Is it filled with plants and flowers a.k.a. nature’s pick-me-uppers? Do you have a comfortable chair and desk?
There are no hard and fast solutions to what kind of an office guarantees productivity and pleasure. But if you’ve been feeling less inspired while at your desk, it might be time to spruce things up.
Reduce the clutter. Put up some new artwork. Slap on a fresh coat of paint (green’s calming, while yellow’s uplifting!). Keep a plant on your desk.
Whatever you choose to do to brighten things up, make sure that it works for you.
Aim, score, celebrate
While planning the entire workday is essential, also consider your goals for the day and what you intend to achieve.
Entrepreneurs, no doubt, have a clear picture of where they want to go and how to get there. Yet as any business owner can attest, success is not linear, and there are so many stops and starts along the way.
So don’t forget to celebrate the small milestones in your workday.
Perhaps you’ve managed to close a deal with a prospect who was previously reluctant to commit. Perhaps a downline has taken the lead on a project and turned in impressive results.
Everything is worth recognising and celebrating, all the more if it lifts your spirits while getting you feeling optimistic and happy.
