It Starts With You: 5 Steps to a More Satisfying Work-life

I had a meeting with a coaching client last week.  Since we met I have been thinking about her transformation. Bottom line, she describes her work life as much more satisfying since we began our work together. I was so happy to hear this.

I have been thinking about what she has done that has allowed her perspective to shift so dramatically in only a few months. Here are the factors that I believe have allowed her coaching experience to be so meaningful….

1.  She consistently examines her own role in creating and navigating all of the relationships in her work life, both the good ones and the less than favorable ones.

2.  She knows the value of an olive branch.  Many people like the idea of re-inventing relationships with a “clean slate”, but are seldom willing to initiate a new way of interacting. This particular client is quite shy and initiating is hard for her and yet, even when others have treated her with a lack of respect, she is willing to lean into her discomfort and initiate a more positive relationship.

3.  She places a high value on her time and expects that an investment of her time should yield a positive return.  This seems somewhat unrelated, but it is important because by applying this philosophy to our coaching time she has a deep commitment to achieving something positive.

4.  She holds herself accountable for sustaining new habits.  She commits to these behaviors, even when she is busy, even when it isn’t going so well, and even when she just doesn’t feel like it.

5.  She is working hard at acknowledging that some things are outside of her control. She is learning to let go of the frustration that comes from dwelling on those intractable issues.

I honestly take very little credit for her changed perspective.  I can only suggest new ways of approaching situations.  Change and transformation are the product of action.  A mere suggestion can never produce meaningful results. Or, in the words of Dale Carnegie,  “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”

This coaching case reminds me that it is possible to change your experience of your own work life. With diligent effort and a little emotional intelligence, specifically by modeling for others the way you would like to be treated and by managing your emotional reactions, a new level of satisfaction motivation is available to all of us.

I am privileged to support others and to see their transformations first hand. I am encouraged every time I witness that meaningful change is possible with a little humility and (more than) a little hard work.