The Working Dead!

If you've ever found yourself disliking your workplace due to a toxic culture filled with backbiting, office politics, favoritism, and constant power struggles, know that you're not alone!

Similarly, if you made the transition from a vibrant startup-like to a corporate environment and felt like it was a mistake because the enthusiasm, camaraderie, and positive atmosphere were replaced by formalities, suits, and the stress of a strict 8-to-5 routine, rest assured, you're not alone!

And for those who believe they're stuck in a monotonous job with no recognition for their efforts, yearning to break free and pursue a hobby they're passionate about, even to the point of considering quitting but finding it challenging to do so, you are not alone!

In his article "What Brain Science Tells Us About How to Excel" Edward M. Hallowell addresses this phenomenon as the "Disconnection Disease", I call it "The working Dead" phenomena.

In the fear of having the working dead disease reach out to you, this article offers five steps rooted in psychology and brain science to help shift these negative feelings towards a more positive and productive path with actionable recommendations in each step to craft your own peak performance.

Step 1: Working for what you LOVE - Select:

The dilemma of considering our work as a job, an advancing career, or a life calling raised by martin Seligman in his research, reflects the reality of most of us. When we find ourselves trapped in work routine (the requirement to do what have been previously done, same way, same results) or complying to? what is requested from us, with hesitation to challenge it back enough because of the fear to be labeled as complainers or even risk losing our jobs.

While achieving ultimate job satisfaction can be a complex task. To navigate this challenge and shape a more fulfilling work experience in your current work, consider focusing on tasks that align with the following three questions:

1-????? What is it that you like to do?

2-????? What is it that you do best?

3-????? What can you do that adds value to the organization?

Taking the time to answer these questions can empower you to make critical decisions regarding your career path, choose the right industry, or simply engage in a constructive conversation with your manager about potential internal reassignments. This proactive approach can save you years of disappointment and discontent. The earlier you can figure the answers to those questions, the more fulfilled you will feel.

To navigate this dilemma and enhance your career fulfillment:

1. Reflect on the three questions above to clarify your career direction and preferences.
2. Engage in open discussions with your manager to explore opportunities for a more fulfilling role within your current organization.

Step 2: Working with someone who MATTERS – Connect:

Research conducted by Gartner in 2007 demonstrated that employees who have at least one strong friendship within the workplace exhibit higher levels of engagement, commitment, and enthusiasm for their daily tasks. While organizations invest significant resources in crafting compelling visions and missions, and trying to cascade them down for increasing employees, engagement. Fostering a corporate culture that nurtures interpersonal connections can have a more profound impact on employee performance.

Human beings possess an innate need for connection, friendship, and emotional engagement, which can be increasingly challenged by economic pressures, organizational silos, and the prevalence of digital technology. To enhance your workplace experience and performance:

1. Actively seek out and cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues, as these connections will not only increase your sense of belonging but also fuel your motivation to achieve and excel.
2. Champion a culture of camaraderie and emotional engagement within your organization for your own well-being and effectiveness.

Step 3: Working and yet, having FUN – Play:

We're all aware of the left and right brain hemispheres - the left for logic facts, and processes (just to simplify), and the right for colors, imagination, and creativity(again, just to simplify). However, the key insight lies in how creative and successful individuals harness the full potential of their brains. They use both hemispheres to envision better ways of approaching daily tasks and to imagine a more prosperous reality for their work, organizations, and businesses. In doing so, they infuse enjoyment and fun into their lives, achieving a state of "FLOW," as described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. To unlock your potential for peak performance:

1. Strive to engage both sides of your brain by nurturing creativity alongside logical thinking, allowing you to envision innovative solutions and more fulfilling outcomes.
2. Understand that working harder isn't always the path to peak performance. Focus on finding joy and excitement in your efforts, as the release of enjoyment hormones can significantly enhance your performance and overall satisfaction.

Step 4: Working with stress and practice for continuous improvement – Grapple and Grow

If you've encountered the concept of stepping out of your comfort zone to foster personal growth and learning, there's solid scientific reasoning behind it. Renowned psychologist Jim Loehr, who extensively researched peak performance in athletics, discovered that optimal performance arises from setting challenging yet achievable goals. Striking the right balance between stress, ambition, and commitment forms the core elements of peak performance.

However, it's important not to oversimplify the idea by suggesting that only setting ambitious goals guarantees continuous peak performance. The key to transforming these goals into sustained skill enhancement lies in repetition – the ability to consistently push your boundaries until your brain forges neural connections between newly acquired knowledge and ingrained behaviors, turning them into an integral part of your character. To harness the power of this knowledge, consider two practical actions:

1. Challenge yourself with goals that are both ambitious and attainable to ignite your peak performance potential.
2. Embrace the process of repetition and practice, as it's the bridge between setting goals and embedding new skills into your character for long-term success.

Step 5: Working to be recognized and energized – Shine.

Whether you wholeheartedly understand the thrill of receiving recognition and rewards for your hard work or you're someone who blushes when given a simple thank you note, psychology tells us that our innate desire for positive reinforcement is deeply rooted in our human nature. The release of dopamine, often referred to as the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process. It gives us that delightful sensation and a smile on our faces when we're acknowledged for our achievements, reinforcing the behavior and motivating us to continue striving for. To optimize your performance and well-being, consider two simple actions:

1. Embrace and actively seek out opportunities for positive feedback and recognition.
2. Channel the motivation from past successes to fuel your ongoing efforts, creating a cycle of peak performance.

In conclusion, by following these five steps rooted in psychology, you can break free from the "working dead" syndrome and embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and rewarding career. Don't let toxic workplaces, disconnection, and monotony hold you back – take control of your professional life and thrive.