What do professionals who genuinely love their jobs know that the rest don’t?

Speaking to many of them, I learned that the happiest people at work aren’t the ones with the highest salaries—they’re the ones who’ve mastered these 5 strategies…

Today’s Ladder:

The Strategies of People Who Actually Love Mondays

Research shows that the happiest people at work didn’t stumble into their dream jobs—they built them.

Here’s what I’ve learned: happiness at work depends on two things:

• First, the people that you work with. 

• Second, how you shape that job to fit your strengths and passions.

Let’s unpack the strategies that make this possible:

1. Test Drive the Future

Have you ever stopped to imagine your future self?

Picture the career you truly want, and let that vision guide your choices today.

Small actions—like taking on a project that excites you or learning a new skill—can steer your career toward something more fulfilling.

2. Trust Your Gut

Workplaces thrive on relationships. 

Surround yourself with coworkers who support and care about you. A positive, collaborative team can turn an ordinary job into an extraordinary one.

3. Play to Your Strengths

What are you naturally great at?

Find ways to do more of it. When you use your strengths daily, you feel energized and productive.

This isn’t just good for you—it’s great for your team, too.

4. Craft Your Job

Jobs aren’t just assigned—they’re crafted.

Reshape your tasks to align with what excites and fulfills you. I met someone before who turned her customer service role into a top marketing position. You too can redefine your work to make it uniquely yours.

5. Shop for the Right Boss

A great boss makes all the difference.

Research shows that only 1 in 10 bosses are truly exceptional, so seek leaders who prioritize your well-being and growth.

They’ll help you thrive and support you through challenges.

Takeaway:

It hit me one day as I sat at my desk, staring at a growing to-do list.

I wasn’t unhappy, but I wasn’t exactly excited either.

The work felt… fine.

I knew there had to be more, something deeper that made people genuinely love their jobs.

So, I started digging—not into my tasks, but into the way I approached them.

I began reshaping my responsibilities, leaning into my strengths, and finding ways to make my work feel meaningful.

A simple shift changed everything.

I stopped focusing on the tasks I did not love and doubled down on the ones that lit me up.

One strategy stood out: finding small wins every day.

It could be a quick connection with a colleague or finally tackling that tricky problem. Each win reminded me that what I did mattered.

Loving your job doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s not a pipe dream either.

Start small.

Find your wins.

Lean into what you do best.

Before you know it, loving your work won’t just be possible—it’ll feel inevitable.

ICYMI: Links to recent issues

🤦 5 Outdated Career Advice - That Could Be Holding You Back

💵 Scared to Negotiate Your Salary? Here’s How to Get What You Deserve

🙋🏻‍♀️ Want to Get Ahead? Start Managing Your Boss

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed in half the time, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Let’s Connect!

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