Level up at work with growth opportunities

mind at work

Sree Mitra

December 1, 2023

Author: Dr Steve Hickman

In his 2022 report on “Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy laid out five essential elements that we are exploring in a series of articles. This is the third of five of those pieces. You can find the first and second blog post in the series on the Q Studio website.

Ever wondered how the workplace can be similar to a video game where every task, challenge, and collaboration can impact your chances of leveling up. Navigating through intricate mazes of projects, quests, and deadlines can often seem daunting and lead to stress and burnout if not managed proactively and appropriately. As you go through the grand quest of the workplace, keeping your cool and staying engaged mentally and emotionally is so important to ‘stay in the game’. One aspect that boosts motivation and desire to continue are hidden chests waiting to be discovered (I am dating myself on the video game analogy). In the workplace, this comes in the form of opportunities for growth. So, grab your consoles and let’s embark on a lighthearted adventure to find these gems!

1. Upgrade Your Mindset:

Much like a video game, a positive attitude is often the key to success. In the workplace, too, maintaining a growth mindset can help you seize opportunities. Don’t be afraid to fail, as failure can be a stepping stone to progress. Ultimately, it is all about your attitude – how you face challenges, how you process failures, and how you evolve coming out of it.

2. Embrace New Challenges:

Leveling up at work often means taking on new challenges and roles. You may not always feel that you are ready for it. Don’t shy away from them; instead, dive in headfirst. When you conquer a challenging project, you’ll earn experience points that boost your growth.

3. Networking Magic:

It’s so important to make ‘friends’ while in a game who can help unlock hidden paths or cover your back; similarly making connections at work can lead to unexpected opportunities. Attend events, join professional groups, and bond with your colleagues – you never know where the next opportunity might appear!

4. Skills Power-Up:

Just as your favorite character in a game can become stronger with skill points, so can you. Invest in developing new skills. Take courses, attend workshops, and stay up to date with the latest trends in your industry. Make a resolution to learn something, anything, new every day.

5. Embrace Feedback:

Post-game feedback provides players with insights into the nuances of the game, allowing them to adapt and refine their skills, while also validating their achievements and confirms their progression. Ask for feedback from your team, peers and supervisors. Constructive criticism can help shatter the blinders you may have on and fine-tune your path to growth.

6. Seek Out Mentors:

Think of mentors as seasoned players who can guide you through the game. Their wisdom and experience can be invaluable in helping you navigate the twists and turns of your career.

So, fellow workplace gamers, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Keep your eyes open for those hidden opportunities, and who knows, you might just unlock new levels of growth and success in your career!

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