There are plenty of signs that will tell you whether or not you're in the right work situation, but they can often be unclear & inconsistent.
Here are 3 ways to gain 100% confidence & clarity in your current job.
1 - Use a strength counter.
If you’re looking for a tangible, measurable way to gauge your work quality, try a strength counter.
Strength counters are a quick, hand-written reaction that will show you if your top strengths are being utilized to their fullest potential at work.
To create a strength counter, grab a piece of paper and do the following:
Draw an 8x4 grid
List your top 3 strengths individually into each box along the left-most column
List each day of the week individually into each box along the top-most row
Track your strength usage each day of your work week by placing a checkmark in each box where the workday and strength cross
After your work week is complete, count the number of checkmarks. If that total is 15 or more, you’re in a great work situation.
2 - Look for positive body cues.
Our bodies are the best clue givers when it comes to knowing if we’re in the right work or not.
By tuning into their cues, you will get a clear understanding of whether or not the work situation you’re in is right for you.
For example, these key cues will tell you when you’re in work that’s right for you:
You wake up excited about your workday ahead.
You interact or spend time with your coworkers outside of work
When you’re with friends, you’re proud to talk about your job
When someone asks you about your job, you can’t wait to share details.
If you experience two or more of these body cues on a consistent basis, good for you! You’re in a great work environment.
3 - Score your happiness levels.
I’m a firm believer that happiness should have a place at work, because when you’re in work that makes you happy, you show up and perform.
To know if happiness is part of your current work situation, score your happiness levels on a scale of 1 to 10 once at the start of your day (before work begins), then once again at the end of your work day.
If the number stays the same or increases at the end of your workday, you’re likely in a great work situation.
Ali Goodin Certified Life & Career Coach in Central FL
I'm a former Disney employee, graphic designer turned life coach, and career transition expert. I created Ful Life Coaching to give professionals of all ages & stages a safe space to navigate career transition. My passion is equipping professionals with the tools and confidence they need to transition in their careers – from launch to retirement – so they can live happier, healthier lives.