Hard truth time – there is no perfect job. 

And in these strange times we live in, where uncertainty and change plague us (ahem), we all deal with this differently: resign, focus on non-work activities, or perhaps fume silently.

Annoyingly, the way we think about our work affects our feelings about it – and our feelings affect how we experience life. 

The upside of this is that with a bit of effort, we can reframe some of our attitudes and participate in work more positively.

This isn’t about being a Pollyanna, it’s about truly considering what’s important to you, and what you might get out of work to support that, which can in turn nourish your whole self. 

And maybe, just maybe, enjoy your job a little more as part of that.

1. Turn Boring Tasks into Transferable Skills

Frustrated because you’re wasting your time in your paid job, while your passion project gets neglected? Consider how the skills you learn in your employment can help you in your other activities.

For example, if you’re writing a book, then all that work you do reviewing reports, or writing client emails can help you craft good English in your stories. 

If you’re hoping to design websites for a living, then that research you have to do for your boss giving her information on your competition lets you look at plenty of websites while being paid, noting the good and bad design in each.

Perhaps you want to set up a cupcake business. Dealing with difficult customers in your day-job as a customer service agent in a call centre will help you learn patience when dealing with your wedding clients someday.

Reframe the way you see less enjoyable elements of what you do at work, so they become helpful in living your values in other parts of your life.

Old view: “I hate trying to understand charts, data and Excel spreadsheets at work.”

New view: “Understanding this month’s report gives me tools to manage my financial situation in my personal life.”

2. Turn Dreary Commuting into Me-Time

Depressed at the fact you have to spend an hour on a bus getting to and from your job each day? Consider how commuting gives you the opportunity to spend time in a way that isn’t directed by anyone else. 

For example, if you want to spend it absorbed in another world, you can download episodes of a TV series to watch or listen to an audiobook. If you want to set a lively mood for the day, create a playlist and let music help you feel more upbeat. If you want to relax, get a seat by the window and watch the world pass you by.

Reframe how you see your commute as time for you, rather than time wasted.

Old view: “I can’t believe I have to waste an hour a day getting to work.”

New view: “It’s awesome to have time to myself each day when I can listen to music, a podcast or an audiobook, or just spend time looking at the world around me and daydreaming.”

3. Turn Too-Hard Assignments into Opportunities to Connect

Irritated when your boss dumps a task on you, and stressed when you realise you have no idea how to do it? Consider it an opportunity to build your network by reaching out and asking someone for help. 

Turns out, most people enjoy the feeling of helping others, and this kind of ask also creates connection and builds relationships by making the other person feel their skills are valued. 

Reframe activities that are new to you as ways to create stronger bonds with your colleagues.

Old view: “It’s so frustrating when my boss delegates an activity I don’t know how to do, that is outside my job description.”

New view: “Tasks that are new to me give me the chance to talk to others who have the expertise, and build new relationships. They also help build my resume!”

Reframe for a Different Perspective

Reframing isn’t easy, and you’ll need to think of it like a muscle – it will take many ‘reps’ to change the way you see things. However, you’re not changing any facts – only the beliefs and narrative you have around the situation.

It’s worth it though. 

Your window on the world can look out on Mordor or the Shire, the Upside Down or the Human World, Azkaban or Hogwarts.

You get to choose.

Be your best self at work, and be kind to yourself as you do it

Reframing is one way to take care of yourself at work, but – perhaps surprisingly to some – there are plenty more. In my new book ‘Your Work Wellness Toolkit: Mindset Tips, Journaling and Rituals to Help you Thrive’, I bring my twenty years’ experience as a work psychologist, along with having worked with thousands of clients at companies large and small, across twenty five countries. 

The book contains 100 practical, actionable ideas written in a warm and compassionate style, and will support you creating incremental change to be your best self at work.

Self-care is as important in the workplace as it is at home – be kind to yourself and buy the book now at all good bookshops here!