Finding the Joy … and Giving a Crap

I frequently read blogs as part of my job in marketing and communications – no, not Perez Hilton (I only wish!), but rather blogs that cover topics ranging from technology to politics to advertising to education. One I recently started reading is “Bridging the Nerd Gap”, which according to author Brett Kelly is “about the intersection of technology, tools and effectiveness.” Brett recently wrote a post that really resonated with me: “First, Give a Crap.” To pull a few quotes:

“no matter how hard you try to do better at anything, it will all be for naught if you don’t give a crap about what you’re doing …  Having to do something you couldn’t care less about is just about as soul-sucking a thing as has ever existed. If you don’t care about what you’re doing, it’s extremely difficult to do it well … If you actively dislike the work you do, I have two pieces of advice: 1. Stop doing it and, instead, find work that you do enjoy and do that instead; While you’re working on number one, search out the interesting part of what you’re doing and give a crap about that.”

Amen. And, ooooof.

Brett’s advice certainly isn’t new or groundbreaking when it comes to career advice, but for whatever reason this blog hit home from a personal perspective as well. Lately, each one of my day’s tasks seem like a chore or just another item on the to-do list that needs to be checked off (usually urgently). Why can it be so difficult to take a deep breath, relax, get energized and find the joy in day-to-day life?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I want to bust out my happy dance for each client conference call I have to participate in or load of laundry I have to do. But I do need to remember to pursue things with passion and excitement as much as possible, instead of approaching them with dread. I truly do enjoy the work that I do, as busy as it can get and overwhelming as my schedule, responsibilities, deadlines and frustration level can be. And I realize that it’s problematic when I look at my pile of magazines at home with growing anxiety and increasing stress levels (there are so many! how did I fall so far behind???) rather than happiness (three US Weeklies, two Entertainment Weeklies, several Heats and even an InStyle? Best. Reading. Day. Ever!). I know it’s easier said than done, but re-reading Brett’s quotes above remind me just how important it is.

I always laugh at the frequently quoted career advice to find something you love to do and figure out how to make a living doing it. If anyone out there is aware of well-paying opportunities to drink wine, shop and sleep (not necessarily in that order), please give me a call.

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