3 Mindsets to Do your Best Work Everyday | Swami Mukundananda

Summary

This video discusses how happiness at the workplace can be achieved by focusing on the process rather than just goals. The Gallup survey reveals that only a small percentage of employees are truly engaged in their work, with many either disengaged or actively undermining their organizations. The video highlights key strategies for finding joy at work, such as pursuing excellence over perfection, using one's skills to make a meaningful impact, and fostering a love for the work process itself. The concept of 'flow' is also introduced as the ultimate state of happiness in the workplace.

Takeaways

• 😀 Happiness shouldn't be tied to future goals; enjoying the process leads to greater joy in the present.
• 😀 Only 13% of employees globally are positively engaged in their work, while 63% are disengaged and 24% are actively undermining the organization.
• 😀 Many organizations now hire Chief Happiness Officers (CHOs) to improve employee well-being, following the realization that employee satisfaction impacts profits.
• 😀 Focus on the process, not just the end goal. Samuel Pierpont Langley, who was only focused on fame and glory, failed, while the Wright brothers succeeded by loving the journey.
• 😀 Shri Krishna's teaching in the Bhagavad Gita: Do your duty without attachment to the results.
• 😀 Perfectionism can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, aim for excellence and learn from mistakes.
• 😀 Striving for excellence means doing your best, while understanding that mistakes and shortcomings are part of the journey.
• 😀 When you use your talents to help others, it creates fulfillment. Dr. Govindappa Venkataswami's work in eradicating curable blindness is a prime example of this.
• 😀 Dr. Venkataswami's Arvind Eye Care institution achieved global success by focusing on the mission and excellence rather than perfectionism.
• 😀 The path to happiness at work involves a balance of enjoying the process, aiming for excellence, and making a positive impact on others.

Q & A

What is the common belief about happiness that the script discusses?

The common belief is that happiness lies in the future, tied to achieving specific goals. People often think, 'Once I achieve this or that, I will be happy.' This leads to frustration and burnout.

What is the primary cause of burnout in the workplace according to the script?

The primary cause of burnout is focusing solely on reaching the end goal, without enjoying the process of getting there. This focus on future success, at the expense of the present, often leads to exhaustion and dissatisfaction.

What percentage of employees are positively engaged worldwide, according to Gallup’s survey?

Only 13% of employees worldwide are positively engaged, meaning they are enthusiastic about their work and invested in the success of their companies.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between goal achievement and happiness?

The script suggests that happiness should not be tied to achieving future goals. Instead, people should focus on enjoying the journey and the process of working toward their goals, which can bring fulfillment in the present.

What is the difference between Samuel Pierpont Langley and the Wright brothers in their approach to the flying machine?

Samuel Pierpont Langley was goal-oriented, seeking fame, glory, and financial reward from inventing the airplane. In contrast, the Wright brothers were process-oriented, focused on enjoying the journey and learning from their failures, which ultimately led to their success.

What is the lesson from the Wright brothers' experience?

The lesson is that loving the process and learning from mistakes leads to success. The Wright brothers focused on improving their craft, while Samuel Langley was too attached to the outcome and missed the opportunity to contribute further.

How does perfectionism affect happiness in the workplace?

Perfectionism can lead to misery, as it causes individuals to view the world in black and white terms. They become dissatisfied with anything less than perfection, which can undermine their happiness and performance.

What does pursuing excellence, rather than perfection, mean in the workplace?

Pursuing excellence means striving to do the best you can while accepting that mistakes will happen. It focuses on continuous improvement rather than achieving flawless results, and it helps maintain a healthy mindset.

What role does finding purpose play in achieving joy at work?

Finding purpose is crucial for happiness at work. When individuals use their abilities to make a positive impact on others' lives, they experience deeper fulfillment. The story of Dr. Govindappa Venkataswami illustrates how a meaningful mission can bring both professional success and personal joy.

How did Dr. Govindappa Venkataswami contribute to eradicating curable blindness in India?

Dr. Govindappa Venkataswami started the Arvind Eye Care institution with the goal of eradicating curable blindness in India. He provided affordable eye care and mass-produced affordable intraocular lenses, making a huge impact on eye health in India and worldwide.