We often hear that we should not take work personally, that we should separate our professional and personal lives, and that we should not let our emotions get in the way of our performance. But is that really the best advice?
In this blog post, I will argue that taking work personally is actually a good thing and that it can help us achieve more satisfaction, motivation, and success in our careers.
Passion
First of all, taking work personally means that we care about what we do, and that we are passionate about our goals and values. When we take work personally, we are not just doing it for the money, the status, or the recognition, but because we genuinely enjoy it and believe in it.
This can make us more engaged, creative, and productive in our tasks, as well as more resilient to challenges and setbacks.
Commitment
Secondly, taking work personally means that we are invested in our relationships with our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. When we take work personally, we are not just treating them as means to an end, but as human beings with whom we share a common purpose and vision.
This can make us more empathetic, collaborative, and respectful in our interactions, as well as more loyal and committed to our teams and organizations.
Fulfilment
Thirdly, taking work personally means that we are aligned with our authentic selves, and that we are not compromising our integrity or identity for the sake of conformity or convenience. When we take work personally, we are not just following orders or rules, but expressing our opinions and values.
This can make us more confident, assertive, and influential in our roles, as well as more fulfilled and happy in our lives.
Balance
Of course, taking work personally does not mean that we should be obsessed with work, or that we should neglect our other needs and interests. It also does not mean that we should be overly sensitive or defensive about feedback or criticism.
It simply means that we should embrace work as an important part of who we are, and that we should use it as an opportunity to grow and contribute to the world.
So next time someone tells you not to take work personally, think twice. Taking work personally is not a weakness, but a strength. It is not a problem, but a solution. It is not a curse, but a blessing.
