3 Ways to Spice Up Your Work Life

(and remember what you’re working for)

It’s easy to get caught up in the “work” of work, and all too often finding ourselves, eyes glazing over on autopilot, heading for the rut of complacent routine, checking off items from our task list, and counting the days until Saturday (Except for wedding photographers). This is not where we want to be. Ever. No matter what field or industry you are in, everyone needs a creative jump-start now and then because we can ALWAYS be doing things better. Whether it is developing a more effective workflow, trying a nontraditional method to solve a problem, or infusing a little more care and energy into our projects. How do we find new ways of working better, smarter and more enjoyably? The answer lies in thinking past our checklists, beyond our desks, and reminding ourselves of the bigger picture – how we are working towards something greater.

For some, “greater’ may be that European vacation they have been dreaming about for years; for others it may be that next house their family will grow into; and still others, it may be pioneering new breakthroughs in their industry. What is your “something greater?”

With your “something greater” in mind, set yourself up for success by implementing these simple tasks to spice up your work life and enjoy the road ahead.

1. Step Away From The Desk.

That’s actually an order, not a suggestion. It has been proven over and over that taking a break improves productivity on multiple levels. Not only are you allowing yourself time to recharge your brain, you are also encouraging the body to resume its natural (and vital) functions through necessary physical activity, which you will be thanking yourself for later.

2. Redefine Your Mission.

As you grow in your industry and business you will inevitably refine your business model, goals and workflow. Likely, your mission will also evolve. Let it! Being the best you can be doesn’t happen without change. When was the last time you rewrote your mission statement? Write it down and tape it to the wall or bathroom mirror. Your mission statement is more than your job – it’s what you are doing as a result of your job. Make it something worth jumping out of bed for.

3. Do Something For Yourself.

An easy way to increase the energy you invest and level of interest in a project is to pursue something for yourself. If you want to set up a gorgeous, styled, dream shoot in the middle of the Grand Canyon at sunrise, then do it! If you want to prove Einstein’s Theory of Relativity wrong, then do it. If you want set a new Guinness World Record, then DO it.

The important key to this final component is to make sure that you aren’t learning something completely new (this can act as a distressor and requires much more time for pay off). Use the skills and talents that you already have to invest in a project that will strengthen them, leave you feeling proud of your accomplishment. The goal is (relatively) instant gratification for succeeding at a new project and renewing yourself with positive, motivating energy.

After a few days of decompressing on my last family vacation, I decided to wake up for the sunrise on the beach with my sister and photograph her doing one of the things she loves: dancing. It was my first time photographing this subject matter and although I had some ideas of different styles and techniques I wanted to try, I also wanted to make sure it was a positive experience for both of us. We didn’t put the pressure on; we just did our thing.

The results were amazing. Not only did we both get really into it and enjoy our time together, we both also accomplished things that we weren’t expecting during the shoot. Capturing mid-air poses was cool, but I am most proud of expanding my portfolio, recognizing new ways that I can grow as a photographer, and spending that quality, creative time with my sister.

Remember, this journey is about “something greater,” but getting there requires a little bit of spice.