Do what you love and love what you do
Throughout our careers, we seek the elusive “dream job” that will check all the boxes and be the perfect environment where we get the chance to “do what you love and love what you do”. The problem is that if we’re waiting for someone to create that opportunity and send us an invitation we’re going to be wasting a lot of valuable time.
Here’s the secret:
No one is going to give you permission to do the thing you really want to do.
(well almost no one.)
If you are excited and motivated by the idea of doing something in a different way, or incorporating a new skill into your work please don’t wait for your boss to specifically invite you to start doing it. You may find yourself waiting for a long time.
That wait can cost you not only the chance to do something you love at work, but you could miss out on opportunities that would open up from innovating and showing your passion, not to mention dealing with burnout from frustration and boredom. Even 20% of your time used on meaningful work can be a powerful protector from burnout.
Always remember that it’s much easier to apologize than to get permission. In this world of computers, the best thing to do is to do it.Grace Hopper, Rear Admiral US Navy, computer scientist
One of the amazing and successful women in science and tech that I interviewed was Awalin Sopan. When Awalin wanted to feel more connected to her team and create a more inclusive environment she created casual lunch talks. Voices that weren’t often heard in big meetings had the chance to share their goals and ideas in a less formal environment.
I’m certain that if she had waited for a company-wide initiative that she would still be waiting. Indeed, the reverse is far more likely- seeing the popularity and outcomes of one team’s initiative, other teams may pick up the trend and turn it into a part of the company’s culture. True change seems to require one bold person to go for it and prove that it is not only doable but worthwhile.
How do you develop this skill if it’s not your natural tendency?
Give yourself permission
This is going to sound corny but actually write yourself a physical permission slip. If you already journal in the morning/evening, block out a square on the page and write “I give myself permission to….” for the thing you’ve been wanting to do.
Start with something small that only impacts you. Maybe you need to start by giving yourself permission to make mistakes, to speak up during meetings, or take a walk during your lunch break. Be sure to note the difference that having permission to do these things makes on your outlook and productivity or mindset throughout the day.
Once you start seeing momentum, increase the stakes. For example, maybe you’ve been aching to use the Pomodoro Technique of short breaks every 20-25 minutes throughout the day. Give yourself a permission slip to follow through and note how it impacts your productivity.
Sample permission slips to get you started!
Gather evidence
Whenever you do something bold or different, naysayers are drawn in like a moth to a flame. Expect this to happen and be prepared. As you conduct your permission experiments, gather evidence to support your changes.
Perhaps using the Pomodoro technique allowed you to write 500 more words for your thesis each day than you were before, or taking a walk at lunch instead of sitting at your desk meant that your afternoons have been measurably more productive than before. Document these changes if possible so that you can prove to yourself and others that change is valuable.