For the vast majority of us, work is a necessity.
Bills exist, and so we drive ourselves to work every weekday morning, clock in, and get the job done.
But what happens when the thought of work drains your energy? While it’s normal to feel frustrated at times, staying stuck in negativity can make work even harder.
The good news? You can shift your mindset and rediscover positivity in your job, including in aviation safety and construction. Here’s how!
Understand where they are coming from by looking at the root cause of your own work frustrations
When we lose workers, employees and skilled laborers on our crew because they didn’t like their jobs, we want to know why. Like many companies, we offer them a chance to provide us with feedback on their experience.
Aside from the transient nature of the jobs we offer, the second most common reason we hear workers say is the reason for not seeking more work with us is because something unnecessarily negative occurred onsite, such as interpersonal arguments or tense environments made worse by a lack of communication.
Once you find the root cause, it may still be difficult to properly sympathize with your crew. After all, as leaders we aren’t the ones standing outside in all kinds of weather preventing accidents and saving time on the runways! You can begin to understand where your workers are coming from by reflecting on what you dislike about your own work. Is it your workload, do you sense a lack of purpose, or perhaps you have a toxic colleague? Identifying the specific root cause helps you focus on actionable solutions. Once you know the problem, you can either work to address it or focus on ways to adapt. More often than not, the issue stems from communication barriers.
Even in challenging work environments, there is reason for positivity and purpose
Maybe this job pays better than your last, it’s a stepping stone toward your career goals, or you have a great relationship with your coworkers. Focus on these positives. By identifying the parts of your work you enjoy, no matter how small, you can start shifting your mindset from dread to gratitude.
Look for signs of positivity and purpose in your workers. Are they getting along? Is someone smiling more often than usual or working a bit more energetically than normal? Communicate your appreciation for their optimism with a simple, “Thanks for being here today,” and watch them come back the next day with a similar positive outlook.
Of course, our jobs aren’t just about today; it’s part of the bigger picture of our entire lives. Tie your work to broader life goals. Whether it’s supporting your family, saving for a dream vacation, or advancing your career, recognizing how your work aligns with your aspirations can make the daily grind feel more meaningful.
When you recognize that your skilled laborers likely have similar aspirations as your own—supporting families, saving money, moving forward with a sense of purpose—you’ll naturally begin to feel more equality with fellow humans, rather than polarity.
Retrain your brain to recognize and appreciate gratitude
The human brain is more adaptable than you might think. Recent research shows that neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, continues into adulthood. Additionally, the brain’s connectivity is dynamic and can be reshaped by new experiences.
One simple way to start retraining your brain is by smiling. Yes, smiling! When you smile, the muscles in your face send signals to your brain—specifically to the limbic system, which regulates emotions.
Smiling triggers the release of dopamine (linked to reward and pleasure), serotonin (which regulates mood), and endorphins (natural painkillers). Even a forced smile can help trick your brain into producing these “happy chemicals,” reducing stress and improving your mood.
Pass it on!
Practicing gratitude is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cultivate positivity. Take a moment each day to identify three things about work that you’re grateful for. Perhaps it’s financial stability, learning opportunities, or supportive colleagues. Gratitude helps shift focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins—finishing a project, getting positive feedback, or simply making it through a challenging day.
Pass on these moments of levity with your crews when appropriate. Just like they give you positive vibes, they will also likely give others positive vibes as well, so keep it going!
Final thoughts
Work is a reality for most of us, but your mindset determines how you experience it. By reflecting on the root cause of your dissatisfaction, finding silver linings, reframing your thoughts, and focusing on gratitude and purpose, you can shift from “I hate work” to embracing a more positive perspective.
It’s not about pretending work is perfect—it’s about recognizing that you have the power to shape how you feel about it. Small changes in your thoughts and actions can create a big impact on your overall happiness and well-being.
Why not start today? Smile, find your silver lining, and practice gratitude. Your brain, your outlook—and your workers—will thank you!