The Hindu Business Line : <I>You can choose the way you think </I>

Let's face it; we spend a big chunk of our time and energy at work. There are those who look at work as `a means to an end', that is, as a way to get take pay home. However, "for most of us, work is where we look to find happiness and give meaning to life."

When such is the case, shouldn't we learn `as much as possible about how to make our work more satisfying'? Thus asks Liza Siegel in `Suite Success,' from Amacom (www.amacombooks.org) . The book, by the psychologist from `The Apprentice' reality television show, is about `what it really takes to excel - in the boardroom and in life.'

Siegel emphasises that `a few key positive emotions and positive qualities such as optimism and persistence' play a more important role in business success than `skill, education, and to some degree, even talent.' She assures that the habit of optimistic thinking can be practised and learned. "With time, what starts as a habit leads to a genuine attitude change." Remember, "People can choose the way they think."

Though you may not be able to avoid the many hassles that confront you, "you can shield yourself from being overly affected by them," counsels Siegel. "The explanation you give to the experience makes all the difference." Such as: "It isn't anything about me personally. It's only a temporary setback, and this is just one little area of my life."

Add value to your work through creativity, urges the author. "Your creativity is vital to learning and to remaining open to new ideas, no matter what your line of work." Self-doubt and negative thoughts can stifle creativity, please note! "Whether that flash of imagination comes during a solitary walk, in a conversation with someone else, or from brainstorming with several others, it is a creative moment that propels us out of the realm of the ordinary."

Resilience is another trait Siegel writes about. She calls resilience the hallmark of the entrepreneurial spirit. "The true test of the innovator is what you do after the door is slammed in your face." Look for alternatives and new applications, exhorts Siegel. For, that is what can propel you through hard times.

Fortifying read!

http://BookPeek.blogspot.com

More Stories on : Books | Manage Mentor | Management

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Don't take it personally

The changing role of succession management

Bringing back values in management

Be democratic, open-minded

`Controlling ego is important'

Taming the `quant' section

Marketing's urgent makeover

How they dit it

You can choose the way you think