It's Friday! One of the more well-liked days of the week. It's the last day of the work-week and usually a casual and more relaxed day at the office. We celebrate Friday because it's the day before having two days off to do what we actually want to be doing. Does this sound familiar or relate-able? Well this Friday, we want you to re-think this frame of mind.
The "TGIF" Mentality Devalues Your Time
If you find yourself just getting through the work week to reach the next weekend, what does this say about your satisfaction with your job? Sure, weekends are great, but viewing work as something you have to do in order to get by is the reverse of what it should be.
If Friday is the light at the end of your work week tunnel, you are only using two out of seven days to their fullest potential. The TGIF mentality leads us into a cycle of short-term gratification and time will fly right by us if we don't take a step back to see the bigger picture.
How to Reset
We are not saying that if you look forward to Friday's, you should quit your job. It is more about how you view things. In order to find more fulfillment beyond the weekend, you must change your perspective and break the cycle of "working for the weekend." Here's how to do it:
1) Define what gives your life meaning and fulfillment. For every person, this is different. Whether that is pursuing a hobby that you love, spending time with family and friends, travelling, climbing to the top of a career ladder, or making large sums of money. Ask yourself what you want to be doing with the time that you have and this should influence your priorities and your work.
2) Be present. Don't just be looking ahead and yearning for that short term gratification (ie. the weekend). Take control of each and every day and find enjoyment in where you are. Accomplish something, whether at your work or in your personal life every single day. In this way, you will find more satisfaction and won't find yourself just waiting for the weekend.
No matter what shape or form your sense of meaning and fulfillment comes in, it will not be achieved by waiting for the weekend. Treat Friday like any other day, be present at your job and get things done. Then Monday won't be as dreadful. Once you make these changes, if you still find dissatisfaction from Monday through Friday, this is when it's time to look for a new job. Life is too short!
