Episode 22: Finding Pleasure in Work

On this last day of the month of May, there’s a saying I love and wanted to share with you, even if just for a couple of hours.  You can take it into June as I’m going to talk more about our image, including how we feel in our bodies and how it affects us and our success, however we might define it.

Here’s the saying for the beautiful month of May:

“En may, fait ce qu’il te plait “- which translates as “in May, do as you please”

Originally talking about the weather and one shall dress for it, it is interesting to me how the idea of pleasure can change our perspective on things.

So lets’ dive into this topic that’s crucial for sustaining our motivation and interest in our professional lives:  how do we define and find pleasure in our work?

• What is Pleasure in Work?

Pleasure: "a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment."

But pleasure isn't just about fleeting moments of happiness or satisfaction. It’s deeper. It’s that feeling of being truly engaged, where time flies by and you’re deeply immersed in what you’re doing, also described as a state of flow by some. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the tasks and challenges that make up your workday.

For some of my clients, especially nonprofit leaders, pleasure might come from seeing the tangible impact of their efforts on the community. For others, who are considering a career transition, it might be about discovering new passions and aligning work with personal values to see the impact of what they're doing everyday.

• Why Pleasure Matters?

- it sustains motivation: When you find pleasure in your work, it’s easier to stay motivated, even during tough times. This intrinsic motivation is powerful and can keep you going when external rewards aren’t enough.
- it reduces burnout: Pleasure acts as a buffer against it. When you’re engaged in tasks that are enjoyable to you, you’re less likely to feel exhausted and disillusioned by your work.
- it increases creativity and productivity: You’re more likely to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions when you are having fun.
- it contributes to your overall  Well-Being: finding pleasure in your work contributes to overall well-being. It enhances your mental health and makes work feel less like a chore and more like an integral part of your life’s journey.

• How to Find Pleasure in Work?

- I like to always start by an assessment and in this case, I ‘d recommend you Identify Your C