3 tips that will make you happier at work

Every year in September, I sit at the same little table in Greece with a notepad and a pen. Together with my friend, I write down everything that is important. Do I still have a dream open? What do I want in my work? Are we staying in our house or is it time for something else? What are we going to make more time for? I called business coaches Nienke and Carolien from Groeihelden and suddenly it turned out that I, without knowing it, was already taking the first step to be happier in my work: dreams.

At Groeihelden, they mainly help female starting entrepreneurs find their way, but you can benefit from these tips from the business coaches in any job or study. As long as you dare to dream.

Step 1: Dream
“It’s important to know where you want to go. If you have in your head that you’re going to Biarritz to surf and sleep in an Airbnb by the beach, then you have a roadmap,” says Carolien. “If you know what you want, you’ll get there faster.” If you just get in the car and have only thought that you want something with sun, you’ll get there slower. If you know what you want, you’ll get there faster. It’s also good to make stops along the way and listen to yourself, the little voice asking if this is your dream.”

Step 2: Focus
“If the dream isn’t clear, then you have no focus and it often goes wrong. You’re bombarded from all sides with possibilities. But with the right focus, you won’t get distracted. Often people have voices in their heads that prevent them from doing things. For example, you always carry elements from your parents. I learned that I had to save a lot, which made me spend money less easily,” says Nienke. “Be aware of that and always ask yourself which person is speaking. Because what’s the worst that can happen? Focus is important in achieving your dream.”

Step 3: Action
Carolien: “There’s often a lack of action, 9 out of 10 entrepreneurs take too little action to achieve the dream. Entrepreneurs or employees have a dream but are often lived by customers or keep endlessly perfecting something. You have to take that first step to start. It helps to feel where your pain is now and whether it’s worth it.”

Extra tip: fill that trophy cabinet
“Celebrate your successes and be proud of yourself. It’s good to take a moment each week to think about what you’re proud of and what you’ve achieved,” explains Nienke. “Fill that trophy cabinet a little more each time.”

Want to learn more from Nienke and Carolien? In July, they are giving a free workshop Work smarter, not harder! And honestly, don’t we all want that?

Image: @groeihelden