Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope and the author of the best-selling book, Chasing the Bright Side: Embrace Optimism, Activate Your Purpose, and Write Your Own Story, recently joined me on my podcast, Let’s Fix Work. While I am naturally a cynical podcast host, we had a thought-provoking conversation about optimism, hope, and service leadership.
One part of our conversation focused on the aspect of how the act of service can help fix work. And I just love how Jess speaks so eloquently about service in her work.
Work can be demanding and taxing but regardless of your circumstances at work, you can still make a choice about how you are going to show up. By participating in acts of service, you set yourself up for the better. You may smile more and feel good about what you are putting out into the world. In turn, when you show up to work, your attitude will be much brighter.
I like to repeat it often, you fix work by fixing yourself. There is no better way to do this than to do meaningful work and meaningful work doesn’t have to be hard to come by.
Here is what Jess had to say, “Meaningful work is not something assigned to us. It’s something created by us. It’s a mindset.”
She went on to explain, “Giving back is serving humankind. You can do this anywhere, at any job.”
Jess believes we should change the way we think about meaningful work and giving back. And I have to agree. If you’re interested in hearing more of my conversation with Jess Ekstrom tune into this episode of Let’s Fix Work.