Bring Yourself to Work

“I’m going to make a difference.”

I remember searching for my first “real” job out of college. I was ready, confident, and excited after graduating and looking for the perfect job to launch my professional career. Everything I had done in life prepared me for this moment and I was ready. 

“You may have to settle for something you don’t want to start.”

“Come back in a couple of years after you have some experience.”

Four months into my job search, I was hired as a Human Resources Assistant.  My receptionist days were over. I found a real job in my field. The company had well-established policies and procedures. 

“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”

“Here’s how we do it around here.”

I learned to adapt. Did what I was told. I gained skills and knowledge from experience and was excited to find a new job where I could be creative and innovative. Bring my ideas, enthusiasm, and passion to work.

“Why do you care so much? Tone it down at the office.”

“You’re having too much fun. People will think you’re not working.”

It was time to take the big leap from a small company to a large company with unlimited opportunities to try new things and grow. I’m going to fulfill my dreams. After several rounds of layoffs, the tone changed. I changed.

“I’m afraid to say what I really think.”

“I keep my head down and fly under the radar.”

I worked with senior leaders who had so much to teach me. They had everything they ever dreamed of.  I wondered what it must be like to be so accomplished.

“I put my game face on and don’t let anything or anyone get to me.”

“I leave myself at the door when I come to work. It’s the only way I can survive.”

There’s a new program called Awake at Work and people at work are actually being mindful. What is this about? I’m mindful at home and have a daily meditation practice, but at work? I’ve got to check this out.

“I’m calmer and less reactive.”

“When I bring myself to work, I’m able to connect and contribute in a new way.”

There is a different way. I can fully show up, not with emotional reactivity, but with grounded presence and be open to what is real in this moment. My professional life shifted to a new reality. Not one built on shattered dreams. This work life requires wholeheartedness, clarity, and courage.  Collaboration is not only possible; it’s incredible. Awake at Work changed my life and I am committed to helping change corporate culture and the way we show up. Call us. We will take this journey with you and your organization.