Nate’s Notes 193: How To Make Work Meaningful | Tamara Myles, Positive Psychology Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania

Given that we spend one third of our time at work, it’s hard to feel like life is meaningful if work isn’t.

Sometimes it just requires a mental shift. For example, when workers at Microsoft thought about a time when work felt meaningful, Keshia realized she wasn’t just connecting wires, she was connecting people and saving lives.

And I love the framework Tamara shared to help us find meaning in our work: community, contribution, and challenge. And finally, what a great story about the employees at Ritz Carlton who didn’t just return the stuffed animal to their guests. They also took pictures of the stuffed animal enjoying his extra-long vacation at the resort.

In summary, strive for community, contribution, and challenge. And then try to help others experience meaning as well.

It’s a simple idea. Please take it seriously.

Tamara Myles Bio:

Tamara Myles is an instructor of Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and is an accomplished consultant, trainer, and international speaker. She is a leading global authority on meaning at work and she is the author of the book, “Meaningful Work.”

Tamara’s work has been featured in FastCompany, Business Insider, and Forbes, among other publications.