Currently I am struggling with staying focused on my day job. I have created the finish line (Dec 1 2010) and as each day brings me closer to that date, I feel less and less inclined to put in 100%. So to make sure I am squeezing every last drop of enthusiasm and excitement I can from my current role I have gone back to what my core strengths are and am applying them every day to the tasks at hand.
Do you know what your core strengths are?
A great place to get a generic cultural core strength evaluation (VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire) is at this University of Pennsylvania site. After completion make sure you are looking at your top 5 and nothing else. Remember your strengths are what is going to push you through a task, not your weaknesses.
Curious about what core strengths are?
Here are mine…..
Your Top Strength
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
Your Second Strength
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
Your Third Strength
Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Your Fourth Strength
Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.
Your Fifth Strength
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
Can you see the enormous value of this information? (can you also see by telling you this you now know how to engage me to do whatever you want with promises of the above *wink*. Wouldn’t that be handy information to know about anyone you interact with!)
For me the goal every day when I wake up is to now
1) look for what I can learn new from my work
2) look at how I can reorganise processes around the place to work in a better way
3) poke my nose into a new area and check out what is happening there
4) keep having fun with everyone
5) remember that my current job is part of my life’s adventure, and that my enthusiasm is infectious
Funnily enough, all of these things are what attracted me to my job in the first place. I have the opportunity to run wild and do these things, be paid to do them, and I learn a hell of a lot more than I ever would just as a technical specialist.
I may not love my job as much as I used to any more, but I am not going to let that continue to affect my productivity or my attitude in the office.