When it comes to our overall health and well-being, nutrition is a secondary source of energy. Nourishing foods helps to keep us energised to live our lives whilst focusing on the things that are important to us. True holistic health and fulfilment come from the activities that we choose to fill our days with such as spending time with family, developing relationships, learning, moving our bodies, being creative, and working towards our career goals.
Primary foods, or non-food sources of nourishment, are what really fuel us. They go beyond the plate, nurturing us on a deeper level. The four main primary foods are:
- Career
- Relationships
- Physical activity
- Spirituality
Writer Annie Dillard famously said, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” The average person will spend 90 000 hours at work over a lifetime. Let that sink in – that’s one third of your life! It’s safe to say your experience of your job can have a huge impact on your quality of life and general happiness. So how can you nurture this important area of your life?
How can I find work I love?
Whether you are fresh out of school or considering a career transition, these tips can help you get you started:
List Your Strengths
Start by making a list of your key strengths and interests and think creatively about how they could translate to an inspiring career. What are the things that come naturally to you? What dinner table conversation topics interest you? What do you research just for fun?
Research and Explore
Explore, investigate and research your career options by browsing job sites. Start the processing of gathering information and consider how your potential career options align with your values and long-term goals.
Connect and Network
Reach out to people in your ideal field who can give you information, support, and guidance. Don’t be afraid to talk to working professionals, send LinkedIn messages and even try job shadowing. Attend events and webinars to create authentic connections and make yourself visible – you never know who you could meet.
Reach Out
Make a list of the companies that you would absolutely love to work for and get in touch with prospective employers to learn about potential career opportunities. Be professional and enthusiastic and remember that even if a company isn’t hiring, it’s never a bad idea to introduce yourself and send along your CV – you have nothing to lose!
Be Patient
Finding a new career that you love may take time and a lot of effort and energy. You might try a few positions before finding your ideal fit.
How can I truly enjoy the work I do?
If you’re already in a good job, but want to get more out of your career, consider these tips:
Know Yourself
Get to know yourself in depth. Observe your behavioural patterns and start to take notice of your key strengths and development areas. Self-awareness is the key to success in all areas of life.
Put Your Hand Up
Request to work on projects that interest you. Talk openly with your line manager about what you want to be involved in. People don’t know what you don’t tell them, so talk about what you’re passionate about!
Seek Feedback
Make sure that you surround yourself with colleagues who support you and value your work. Actively seek out constructive feedback from people you respect and even ask someone you admire to be your mentor.
Create an Inspiring Workspace
Since you spend so much of your time at work, you want to make sure that it’s a happy and inspiring place to be. Bring your personality into your workspace – place fresh flowers on your desk, put up motivating quotes and pictures on your desk.
Keep Learning
Never stop seeking out knowledge and developing your skills. Identify the skills you want to develop and ensure you have a well-thought through development plan so that you can proactively work on your weak areas.
Candice Black
Psychometrist and Career Coach