Joe Digby, an old friend from an earlier business life, recently connected with me while passing through town. We haven't seen each other in years, and it was good to visit for a few hours that passed much too quickly.
Joe is still working, but is preparing to retire at the end of the year. He says he's looking forward to retirement, but insists he still enjoys working, not only his job, but on improving himself, even at his age.
"It took me a long time to figure it out," Joe said. "But I learned years ago to focus on doing one thing right each day. I'd write a note to myself in the morning of what I wanted to focus on, and then I'd do it. It would be one thing that I could control, and if I could do that one thing right, then I could go home happy at the end of my day."
Oftentimes Joe focused on small things - being patient and kind to everyone he encountered at work. And he often focused on the same things day after day or several different days in a month, Joe said. He found that by repeating these little things over time they became regular habits.
His favorite habits, the ones he enjoyed most and the ones that make his job satisfying are the habits that involve him serving his clients and coworkers.
"I like to end my day by taking a quick count of how many times I was able to help one of my coworkers, or assist a client with a problem they were trying to resolve. It's always a nice way to end my work day," Joe said.
I think Joe made a good point. My daily work agenda is usually full of ongoing projects and multiple tasks. It's important stuff in its own way, but Joe offered a good reminder that I need to also remember to make time to focus on performing one thing each day that is all mine, something that I alone can control.
I'm like Joe. I'm nearing the end of my working career, and I'd like to give Joe's strategy a try during the time I have left in the workplace. Maybe you'd like to give it a try, too.
-- Thanks for reading. Your comments and questions are always welcome.
