A heavy heart weighs on the soul

Sometimes we all have a bad day, and sometimes this extends to an entire week. The question is how we can recognize this feeling and accept that our energy levels are dangerously close to empty? Do you ever feel like this? Sunday nights are marked by restless sleep, your commute seems longer than usual, you spend all evenings on the couch flicking through channels and somehow your attitude is filled with pessimism about everything “that is wrong”. In short, you simply aren’t the best version of yourself and your family also notice this. 

In this blog you can read how to get control over your life, and recognize why knowing your talents is essential to be in control. Just as important: practical advise on how to remain energetic and maintain this throughout your career. 

There is a slim line between a few weeks of hard work, a difficult project above or even under your pay grade and structural energy loss. In the first two cases you can regain your energy with a short break, or you enjoy other tasks which you do on a daily basis. Your energy level is balanced. On the other side of the metaphorical line: you tend to complain more to colleagues, you don't perorm well, you are starting to dread certain tasks, withhold your opinions and have a short fuse ond and also off duty. This feeling limits you and sometimes you can’t see a way out and are unable to change things to enjoy work again. 

It’s not only the content of your job, but also the context in which you work could take away energy. Last year I’ve coached a most capable lady. The content of her work was a perfect fit, she loved her job. But then trouble struck and during a reorganization her interim manager ignored her contributions. The job she had was changing rapidly and this was the cause of a quick decline in motivation and energy for this, formerly, happy employee. 

A few minutes on the toilet works miracles:

• Check your energy regularly during the day. Three breaks of no more than 5 minutes is enough to connect with yourself. The toilet is perfect, since it’s usually quiet and you can have a moment to really think about your mood. What are you thinking? How does your body feel?
• Is this a problem at your particular job? Evaluate your week on Friday. Did you have a laugh? How many times were you in a bad mood? Did you have fun? What was hard and challenging? What gave and what took energy from your day and why?
• What will you do differently next week?
• Talk to others and, if necessary, talk to your superior. This can feel like a burden, but you should do it anyways. Start to ask for what you need and discuss what is possible.
• Research whether you are using you talents, and how you could use them more in your day-to-day life.  

You won’t believe me: I used to work in a lab

In the west we tend to focus on what we can’t do, we figure we have to develop this lack of skills. You probably remember this from your youth: you had a great report card with B’s, C’s and a occasional A. At home the focus was on that one D you got. The plan was to boost this grade, not how to develop the B into an A. It doesn’t stop there: many people choose a study in the occupational fields their parents are in or think is right, or simply where the job market looks promising. Your talents and ability to use them is not (yet) on the agenda in the decision making of your career. I assure you, a career based on your talents will give you energy in quantities a mundane job will never grant you. Developing in your job will feel like a breeze, not like a task. It will give you the strength and power to deal with resistance and you'll achieve your maximum capacity. 

During my training and coaching I usually ask team members which percentage of their day they use their strengths and talents at their job. The outcome is a staggering below 40% on average. I used to work at the lab simply because my sister was too. In hindsight I was able to identify what I liked about this job: the variety. However, it also took a large portion of my work life to realize what my talents were and how I could use them. 

For the development of people (in teams) I use the TMA Talent analysis. This test gives clear insights in your talents, and above all it’s affordable. Out of 24 hours a day, you usually works about 8. That is a third of your time! Wouldn’t it be better if you enjoyed this time? That’s what I’m saying. 

My mission in my job is to help people enjoy their jobs. That’s why I like to share my insights, knowledge and tips in both my practice and my projects for a big variety of organizations, but now also through my blogs. 

Next time: Why we find it so hard to talk about our needs and the things we don't like at work. And of course this blog will be accompanied by practical tips that teach you how to try to do this in the right way.

Astrid Spanjaardt. No frill Coaching