First week of July down, we are officially on the back nine of the year. ⛳️ 👏

There are 26 Mondays left in 2024 (ICYMI: our most popular newsletter so far this year). How are those goals coming? 😄

Career Advice: Don’t Chase Happiness

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re bombarded with messages about finding happiness. We are constantly fed ideal experiences from those more “privileged” than ourselves constantly reminding us that life is falling short in many ways.

But what if chasing happiness isn’t the ultimate goal but meaning is?

Martin Seligman defines the experience of meaning as “belonging to and serving something bigger than the self.”

Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, taught us that our primary drive is the pursuit of meaning, not pleasure. In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl observed that those who survived the concentration camps often found purpose even in suffering. He famously said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Frankl argued that meaning can be found in all circumstances, even the most painful, and this pursuit brings true fulfillment.

Still feeling meh?

Carl Jung, one our favorite pioneer's in psychology, emphasized the importance of embracing our shadow self—the parts of us we often hide. Jung believed true fulfillment comes from integrating these hidden aspects. By confronting and accepting our darker emotions, we unlock deeper levels of self-awareness and joy.

This sounds terrifying right? We know, we know.

Together, Frankl and Jung suggest that embracing the full spectrum of our emotions, including the uncomfortable ones, can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Avoiding unpleasant emotions in favor of happiness is counterproductive. These emotions that are often seen as obstacles might just be the doors to a richer existence. By facing sadness, fear, envy and anxiety head-on, we can transform them into opportunities for growth and surprising fulfillment

So, what does this have to do with work, you're asking?

It’s easy to blame our managers and organizations for our lack of fulfillment in life but to be brutally honest, expecting our managers or organizations to provide fulfillment is a losing game.

The question you might ask yourself is what meaningful outcomes are important for me to create?

For example, if community is a meaningful outcome you want to create, and we know that connection around a shared interest or goal creates community, identify and take action on a few goals that will achieve this. You don’t need a boss to do this for you; you can initiate it on your own.

The pursuit of meaning over happiness isn’t about dismissing joy but recognizing that true joy often comes from deeper experiences. By taking responsibility for creating meaning in our work and embracing our full range of emotions, we pave the way for profound and lasting fulfillment.

We know it’s not easy and we are here cheering you on, the future belongs to those that choose to create it. We need you!

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We believe that knowing your personal core values is an essential part to identifying key meaningful outcomes in your work.

Tell Me Somethin’good:

Actual footage of us this weekend 😎

We hope you enjoyed a long holiday weekend because here are 5 things that happen when we take a little extra time off:

1. We Sleep Better: Research from the National Sleep Foundation shows that long weekends can improve sleep quality. The additional days off allow us to catch up on sleep, establish healthier sleep patterns, and reduce sleep deficits accumulated during the workweek.

2. We Get More Creative: A study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who took long weekends showed a significant increase in creativity. The time away from routine work tasks and exposure to new environments and experiences sparked innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Our Relationships Get Stronger: According to a survey by the U.S. Travel Association, 75% of respondents reported that taking a long weekend improved their relationships with family and friends. The additional time allows for more meaningful interactions and shared experiences.

4. We Are More Satisfied At Work: A survey conducted by Gallup found that employees who regularly take long weekends report higher levels of job satisfaction. The opportunity to balance work and personal life more effectively leads to a more positive attitude towards their job and employer.

5. We Become Physically and Mentally More Healthy: A study conducted by the University of Tampere in Finland found that taking regular long weekends significantly reduces stress levels and improves overall mental health. The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that individuals who take extended breaks report fewer physical ailments, such as headaches, back pain, and eye strain.

If you didn’t get to partake in an extra day or two off this week, then consider this your save the date for Labor Day Weekend which is only 8 weeks away.

And if you need a break sooner, the data would say, go for it!

Resources Worth Your Click

📖 A life of Meaning: Relocating Your Spiritual Center of Spiritual Gravity

🍽️ This is a favorite platter for providing snacks at any outdoor activity in this summer heat!

🎧 Listening to the First Lie Wins on Spotify audible right now. Perfect for post-dinner dusk walks.

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