Find Meaning in a Job Well Done

How to Make All Your Work Rewarding & Satisfying

-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert

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If you want to make the things you need to do as satisfying as the things you like to do, find ways to personalize your efforts so that you are paying close attention to what you’re doing, using as many of your skills and abilities (including imagination) as you can, taking control of your own attitude, and being as creative as possible. The better you get at this, the more every action you take will contribute to your own satisfaction and happiness.

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About The Author

Dean Anderson
Dean Anderson has master's degrees in human services (behavioral psychology/stress management) and liberal studies. His interest in healthy living began at the age of 50 when he confronted his own morbid obesity and health issues. He joined SparkPeople and lost 150 pounds and regained his health. Dean has earned a personal training certification from ACE and received training as a lifestyle and weight management consultant. See all of Dean's articles.

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Member Comments

GARDENQE2

Like all Coach Dean's articles, this one gives motivation with humor and a better way to look at life! Great! - 4/4/2013 3:06:02 PM
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GRANNYBB4

Totally awesome article, love your style of writing and sharing, laughed out loud about the girls jumping rock to rock passing you, awesome of you to share that, reminds me that we have to keep a sense of humor about all of this stuff! - 4/4/2013 12:37:16 PM
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WARNERG1

Liked this - 4/4/2013 12:37:15 PM
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JWELL2011

Well done! - 4/4/2013 11:30:06 AM
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ADOPTANANIMAL

Great article. Just wish my manager would read it and realize having a purpose is necessary for a more productive and satisfied worker. Mine says "just do it because I said so" after telling me "we won't be using the information for anything". My time could be much better utilized. - 4/4/2013 11:25:20 AM
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RENAPEARCE

This was a great article. Even in drudgery, we can find something special about what we are doing. I recently returned to my hometown to care for my mother and haven't set my mind to finding all the positives in this new life. I think this piece has given me a push in the right direction. Prior to the move, I had been underemployed and while the pay stunk, I really was able to feel good about the hard work I was doing. Now I just need to transfer that attitude to the hard work it is taking to care for mom. - 4/4/2013 10:33:06 AM
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REFERENCEGIRL73

Reminds me of the first time I went backpacking. The whole time I hated it and was cursing myself. I even had to let someone else take my pack for awhile. But at the end of the trail, all I wanted was to do it again. Thank you for the reminder! - 4/4/2013 8:12:15 AM
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PDELMARCROSSON1

what a great article, motivating, have to re-read and absorb more, i give props to the writer - 4/4/2013 6:17:17 AM
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SISSIE21

What an inspiring way of looking at life! Thank you for writing this, I will look at my daily activities in a whole different way. Just love your articles Coach Dean! - 1/26/2013 5:25:59 AM
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BOGART2012

Great article. I needed to read this today! - 6/4/2012 1:32:05 PM
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JDELMIT

What a great read. I try to tell my brother the same thing when he is down about his job. - 2/1/2012 6:56:06 PM
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KICKINGIT@56

What a great article! For a long time I was stuck in a mind-numbing, boring job which I hated. I tried some of your suggestions which did help improve my experience even though the situation remained unchanged. Unfortunately the management did not appreciate any show of creativity or initiative so to preserve my sanity I had to leave. - 2/1/2012 5:25:12 PM
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JSPEED4

I did so need this today. - 2/1/2012 3:36:18 PM
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CCANEZ

I long to have satisfaction in my work, but I find I'm never challenged enough. I'm never kept busy. And I've moved from job to job in my field and always found the same thing. Case in point, I've been back at work from holidays for a month and have hardly had anything to do. I find it really hard to want to come to work when I know 8 hours is going to drag on with me twiddling my thumbs trying to find something to do. I want to work! Nobody wants to make use of me. - 2/1/2012 11:32:54 AM
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TWOCENTSWORTH

Time and age taught me that my work as a nurse is more satisfying if I put more thought into how I do my work, finding worth in the efforts (whether it be providing care or education or advancing my knowledge to improve my skills) I make for the benefit of my patients' well being. I now know I "get" more from what I put into my practice that I could or should hope to get "from" the patients. It has made my work a blessing to me, and I hope to others. NOW, I need to learn to apply this practice to my lifestyle changes. Funny I never thought of that before ! Thank you for this article. - 2/1/2012 10:59:54 AM
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