Photo and blog by Sharman Dow
How many times have you heard the statement, “happiness is a state of mind?” We have all heard it at some point in our lives and no truer words could be stated – because what you set in your mind brings forth action. In other words, finding joy stems from your thought process, birthing a new reality for your life. If you are determining to control your thoughts and meditate on happier things, then true inner joy can be found. Joy is developed by having an attitude of gratefulness. It’s an emotion displayed within by being thankful in your heart. It is delighting and finding pleasure in the good things, even when the whole world is crumbling around you or you are bored stiff from the daily routine of your life.
Possessing inner joy changes your perspective about all matters, and discovering joy in your career will call success into your life. Finding joy is embracing your circumstances, not complaining about them. For your job, it means looking at the task before you and taking up the challenge to do your best. Maybe you were chosen to perform a project because you are the most capable. Are you understanding what I am saying? It’s all about finding the good in doing something you may not like doing. Maybe that project will stretch your knowledge and get you out of your comfort zone. If you allow frustration to control you, then you will lose. Your joy is predicated on having a spirit of thankfulness, even in the most meaningless tasks or those that force you to work harder.
Another way to find joy in your job is to start looking beyond yourself and start doing things for others. It’s a fact, the greatest way to relieve depression is to start doing things for others. When we do things for others, we stop looking at the things that make us sad or incapable of doing, and start to realize there are many things we can do. Joy comes when we look beyond ourselves and give of ourselves in different forms throughout the day. Have you ever approached your boss and asked what else you can do to help them? Or see one of your peers and offer a helping hand in the project that is overwhelming to them? Think about Christmas and the gifts you give your family and friends. It’s so true that sometimes we find more joy in giving a special gift than receiving one.
For me, finding joy is based on being grateful for the little things and thanking God for what I have and refusing to focus on the things that I don’t have. Giving praise to God is a BIG reason why I am joyful and happy in my career and home life. When things get me down, I turn to the Lord and start thanking Him for all the good things in my life. When I have a problem with a client, I turn to Him and ask for help. Then I start to thank Him for solving it, even before I have the answer.
Throughout the Bible there are many times when King David was in a low state of mind because he had so many people that wanted to kill him – including his own son at one point. It’s understandable that he would feel overwhelmed and depressed about his state of being. However, during those times he would reach out to God and start thanking and praising Him for all the things the Lord had done for him. The Psalms are full of praise songs to God that David wrote in his most desperate times.
Here is a Psalm that David wrote when he was in the wilderness of Judah, in a despairing time in his life for him: “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.” –Psalm 63:3-5
With the new year upon us, why not be determined to develop a new you. Determine in your heart to focus on the happy things in life and let go of the things that pull you down. It’s time to empower yourself and find joy in your work!