Everyone wants to be successful. We all want to call our parents and hear pride, talk to our friends and hear just a little bit of jealousy, and just feel like we can do anything. That success may mean a promotion at work or a high paying career that allows you to afford whatever you want. Whatever form of success is right for you, be sure to avoid losing yourself in the process.
Start by knowing who you are. Whether you are in upper management in your office or a business owner focus on what got you where you are and why you chose your career. If inspiring coworkers and employees during meetings, retreats, or even throughout the work day is your favorite part of the day look forward that. After all, if leading and helping people is what you are passionate about it is easy to get frustrated when you are forced to sit behind a desk and listen to some conference call meeting. But during those slow times remember why you got to where you are today. Remember that you are successful and that you get paid to do something you enjoy. That may be leading your employees, selling your products if you own a business, being an employee in an office, or any number of activities.
Even if you love your job, do not neglect yourself. You need to take time to fulfill yourself. That can include hobbies like crafts, traveling or playing games. That may mean you need to take time for yoga, to join a gym, meditate, jog, or even hike. Perhaps what you need is more social time. Go out with friends. That may mean going out to eat, spending time in a coffee shop, stopping at a favorite bar and grill on the weekend, or just taking turns having each other over for a night in. And take time to get away. If you love to travel, then be sure to set aside time and money to do so. If possible go on work retreats. Or just see the local sites by taking days off to go somewhere new in your hometown. Whatever you do, just be sure to find activities that help you recharge. Neglecting your body and mind may lead to exhaustion. And what used to be your dream job can turn into another monotonous 9 to 5.
Keep work life separate from home as much as possible. While at work, focus on being productive, hard working, prompt, and working well with colleagues. At home, on the other hand, focus on yourself. Whenever possible, leave work materials and tasks at the office. One story I heard involved a person with a willow tree next to their driveway. At the end of the day they would run their hands through the tree and say they were leaving their worries on their “worry tree.” There is no reason you cannot do this for work as well. Find some way to physically remind you to leave work at home. So you can focus on relaxing and preparing for another day tomorrow.
By learning who you are and why you love your job, taking time for yourself, and learning to leave work at work you can continue to be successful without losing track of who you are. Remember that success can lead to great things but never lose track of yourself. You want to enjoy your career, not dread another day of work because you are too worn out to continue.
