Be in the driver seat of your work life

When was the last time you told yourself “I have to do something about this” in your life? In fact, that should have happened on a day-to-day basis, and it is just a matter of whether you notice it. You would have told yourself “I have to do something about my hunger and get lunch” or “I have to do something about my thirst and drink water” instead of waiting for people to tell you to do so.

However, we don’t always apply the same attitude and mindset to other aspects of life or work. Sometimes, unknowingly, we wait for others to make a change to our lives. This is likely because we feel less control in certain aspects of our lives than others. For example, we may not have full control over the occurrence of a car accident, as it can happen regardless of how careful we are on the roads.

However, if we resign to fate that there is nothing we can do to control the occurrences of car accidents after we experience one, imagine how chaotic it would be on the roads now. Hence, the truth of the matter is that our lives will be worse off if we completely relinquish control to others. While it may seem that there are elements that are out of your control at work, you will be surprised at how much that is just an illusion. As an example, in the past, it had never been obvious to job candidates that they could have control of their salary package when being offered a job. However, that has definitely changed now.

From that example we can also see how taking ownership and exerting more control in your life and work can help to shift the gears in your favour.

Let’s be honest, taking ownership is easier said than done. To take ownership, it begins with listening to your thoughts and beliefs behind your actions.Consider about the following questions:

Think about a recent challenge that you faced and resulted in a less than desirable outcome. If given the opportunity to turn back time, what do you feel you should have done differently and why? What were some beliefs that you had when responding to the challenge?
What would need to change in your perspective to accomplish an alternative outcome?
Recall the last time you experienced a conflict. Assuming that the other party has a positive intention, what could be some reasons behind their actions and perspectives? What are the possible assumptions that you had made?

Focus on including “I” in your questions. For example, instead of “How did my colleague progress more quickly than me?”, include “I” to help reframe the question to “How could I accelerate my progression?”
Turn criticism into growth. For example, instead of saying “I did not get the job because I am not good enough”, turn it into an opportunity for growth by saying “What can I do to make myself a more attractive candidate for the next position?”
have control over. Ask yourself why do you think you have control or lack thereof (eg. assumptions, biases, etc) and whether changing certain assumptions and biases might open choices for you.

It is impossible to have complete control over your life at work, but with that being said, you can control your efforts, attitude and ability to drive positive actions through self-awareness to regain some control over your work life.

Be in the driver seat of your work life

One action to try tomorrow

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