"I love my job"

Believe it or not, I read this gem on the back of a beer bottle recently. (I've heard of reading tea leaves for wisdom, but this is the first time I've ever found insight in the brew of the grain.) This brewer says he tastes a sample from every batch of beer he makes to ensure it meets his high standards. What a job! This brewer is a pretty bright guy. He found a job he loves and he stands behind his work.

Portia Stewart

If I could make a resolution for everyone this year, it would be to find ways to be able to say with confidence, "I love my job." Think of the hours you spend at work. Wouldn't it be great if everyone could walk into their practice in the morning excited about the hours that lie ahead instead that ho-hum, here-we-go-again feeling?

A friend of mine shared a great idea recently to get you started. She wrote all of her life goals on pieces of paper. She had about 50 really good ones when she was through—things like, "See the Northern lights," "Start an herb garden," and "Learn to snowboard." Then she put them in a box. Every year she draws one, then she gives herself a year to make it happen.

What if you did this with your job? I get excited just thinking about it. Write down all of your goals and put them in a box. Then draw one, make a plan, and see it through. Then draw another. Where would you be at the end of the year? How would it change your life?

I once read a study about people who reached the highest levels of success. They had one very important thing in common: They all wrote down their goals and developed a plan to make them happen. Here's my challenge to you. Try this. See if it works for you. Then let me know.

I recently sat down with my boss and discussed my work goals for 2007. What a great way to start the new year. I know I'm pumped. It's just one of the reasons I can say at the end of the day, "I love my job."

Portia Stewart, Editor

firstline@advanstar.com