Are Your Adlerian Needs Being Met at Work

Are Your Adlerian Needs Being Met at Work While Alfred Adler is most widely known for his birth-order theories, his work was founded on the basic belief that we all are searching for a sense of belonging and significance. Family dynamics aside, there is no place where these conscious or unconscious forces are as prevalent as in your place of employment. As you progress in your career within a certain organization, those feelings, at times, may start tofade until something finally brings them back in full force.As in many relationships, the feeling of being taken for granted can easily creep up on you at work. Perhaps your career path at your organization hasnt gone quite as youd hoped. You know youre valued, but something is missing.Again, as in all relationships, you need to ask yourself what youre doing to contribute to the issue.One of my favorite saying is, Love is elend a feeling its a behavior.This sayinghas served me and perhaps countless oth er people well at those unavoidable times in a relationship when you just dont feel in love. And then one day you wake up and its back. The mundane and perfunctory have taken their rightful place away from your consciousness while the feelings of significance and belonging have come to the forefront of your being once more.A wandering eye, professionally speaking, may actually lead you torealize that the grass isnt always greener in someone elses lawn. At first sight, and from a distance, the grass may seem greener. But when you get a little closer, you may realize that your grass is just as green, if not greener you just need to water the lawn more frequently.So, what can you do to embrace where you are and focus more on the positives of your role, rather than on whats lacking?1. Make a Mental List of What Is Going RightDo you have autonomy to make decisions? Do you like the people you work with? Do you have an easy commute? (Everythingcounts, no matter how small.)2. At Your Core , Are You Still Basically Happy?Are you happy with your function, the skills youre utilizing, and the purpose your role serves for the organization? Whatever youre happy with, do more of that. Do the work that is obligatory earlier in the day so that you can get in a zone with the work youre excited to do.If youre struggling to find joy or pleasure in any of your work, that is a bigger conversation that needs to happen with your boss.3. What New Things Are You Excited to Learn or Do?Find a way to incorporate them into your role. If youre enthusiastic about networking and attending events, do more of it This may help you feel more connected to and inspired by your work. Youll also hopefully make some great contacts.4. Recognize That Nothing Is PermanentExperiences are fluid, just like emotions. Focus on something outside of work that motivates you. It could be an exercise plan, learning to cook, or even starting your own small business. See what you can gain from your current situati on that allows you to advance in those other areas. Do you have a flexible schedule? Are you so efficient with your work that you have a bit of extra time in your day? In a new role, you may not have the luxury of some small benefits that come with having been in one place for a while.Its never good to feellike you havent reached your potential orthat your current employer isoverlooking many of your talents. But sometimes the answer to greater fulfillment at work is to realize youre in control and that you have to create that fulfillment yourself.Still not sure if you should stay in your current role or set out on a new adventure? Heres a 10-step guide to a career makeoverthat might help.A version of this article originally appeared on LinkedIn.Michele Mavi isAtrium Staffings resident career expert.

Step Away from the Office! The Dangers of Workaholism

Step Away from the Office The Dangers of WorkaholismStep Away from the Office The Dangers of WorkaholismBeen burning the midnight oil at the office lately? It might be time to rethink your 70-hour work weekBeing overworked can be a major cause of health problems, not to mention strained relationships and just plain unhappniess- even if you dig your job. Check out this infographic to see if you might be headed forworkaholicterritory, and get some tips to help you break away from the grind.Home page photo courtesy of ibm4381. Infographic courtesy of Daily Infographic.