It’s easy to get jaded in this life. Over time we quickly start taking the small joys of life for granted and can only see the challenges and problems we face. It’s a simple trap that we all fall into if we’re not careful. However, every once in a while we have experiences that remind us of the simple joys in life. Here’s a great story that illustrates this point:
When I arrived at work this morning, our receptionist was beaming and declared that today was going to be a great day. She was so excited because she just saw a proof of the business cards we are about to print for her. (Because of her great work, we are changing her title and giving her more responsibility out in the community.) This is her first set of business cards, and it means so much to her.
She sees it as having reached a new level in her career–one where the organization is going to invest in her. She also sees it as having important new responsibilities. She started with us as a temp, and has earnestly worked her way up by finding and accepting challenges and responsibilities. Sometimes I forget the small joys that come in the early years of a career. But her joy over her first business cards reminded me of mine….and it made me happy. Yes, today will be a great day. –Source
This story has a lot of great lessons. First, take a minute to realize all the amazing things about your career that you now take for granted. Second, there’s a power in positive thinking and on making today a great day. Third, if you’re a manager, don’t underestimate the power of simple things that represent something important to your employee.
A simple example of this is the title you give someone. I’ve personally never really cared too much about titles. I’ve always thought they didn’t matter much. What mattered was the work you actually did and the tasks you were assigned to complete. While I still think this is largely true, titles mean a lot to the person that receives them. As a leader, you shouldn’t underestimate what value the right title can bring to your employee. It may encourage them to act a certain way if you give them the right title. Plus, they get to put that title on their business card, LinkedIn profile and on their badge at conferences. Don’t underestimate the power the right title can have.
Let’s all take today and step back and realize the good things in our lives and in our careers. There are a lot of them out there that we quickly forget. Don’t let the wave of mundane, mean, or annoying cause you to miss the great things around you.
