Own It. Love It. Make It Work. summary

No doubt, like most people, you have emotional needs. Perhaps that’s a bit embarrassing to admit – especially in the highly competitive professional world. But considering you probably spend about a third of your life at work, it’s no surprise that what happens in the office can affect your self-esteem.

Not only that, researchers have found that experiences at work impact your organizational self-esteem – that is, how much you feel a part of the team. The more competent and valued you feel, the happier you are at your job.

As you probably know from countless job interviews, there always comes a time when you’re asked: What are your strengths? Most people tend to have a vague response, like, I’m a good multitasker or, I’m a perfectionist. But what does good really mean? And does perfectionism scream efficiency? As the author says, your strengths are professional gold. By playing to your strengths, you’re motivated to do your best work, which makes you both more impactful and more fulfilled.

So, if you haven’t already, step out of the vagueness and be super clear about what your strengths are. You may be pleasantly surprised when you realize how much control you have in making your job a dream job.

Is there something about your job that isn’t working? Maybe your needs aren’t being met or your current role feels like a dead end. But what if there’s a way to grow out of it? Consider this question: In five or ten years, what do I want my most significant professional accomplishment to be?

Next, admit that you probably need to develop some skills to get there. That’s actually good news because learning new skills is an investment in yourself, which is usually rewarded with increased income and self-esteem. Not only do you raise your value as an employee, but you also give yourself an opportunity to do work you truly enjoy.

If you were asked who your most annoying coworker is, an answer would probably instantly spring to mind, right? Perhaps he drives you crazy with confusing emails, bums you out with his bad vibes, or always holds you hostage by the coffee machine. While these may all be valid complaints, fixating on them actually undermines your relationships with coworkers. 

You may be thinking, Who cares? It’s work, not playtime! But actually, positive social interaction is a fundamental human need, like food and water. And the better your work relationships are, the more your job turns into a fulfilling dream job.

Have you ever wondered why you’re nursing your tenth cup of coffee after having the Sunday night scaries, but your coworker seems bright-eyed and cheerful every Monday morning? Maybe it’s time to figure out whether you have a job, a career, or a calling.

A job is just something that pays the bills and, if you had to do it over again, no way you’d pick this one. A career puts the focus on collecting achievements and advancements. But if what you do is a calling, then salary and advancement don’t mean much since the work itself is fulfilling enough.