People spend time trying to figure out what they should do with their careers. They take personality assessments, hire coaches and ask mentors for advice. Those are all worthwhile exercises, but a simpler solution is to pay attention to what brings you joy throughout your day.
I learned that lesson when I was 24. I had my dream job as assistant director of communications at Sugarloaf Mountain. During ski season, there was plenty to do. But when summer arrived, they did not have enough work to keep me busy, so management gave me responsibility for running the mailroom in the office building’s basement.
While everyone else was outside enjoying beautiful summer days, I spent hours in a dim room sorting stacks of bulk mail. It was repetitive, quiet and solitary.
If you know me, you know that was probably one of the worst possible jobs I could have been assigned. I am energized by people. I love conversations, learning about someone’s business, hearing their story and discovering what makes them unique. I probably would have been happier helping guests at the front desk, working in the real estate office or anywhere I could meet people. Instead, I was surrounded by envelopes.
Every afternoon, however, something wonderful happened. A UPS driver named Rodney arrived with the day’s deliveries. Before he continued on his route, he would spend 10 minutes chatting with me. We talked about work, life, the weather and whatever else came to mind. Those 10 minutes became the highlight of my day. I have never forgotten Rodney.
At the time, I did not realize why those conversations meant so much. Today, it is clear. The conversations weren’t simply a break from sorting mail. They revealed something more important about who I was. The joy was not in completing the task, but in connecting with another human.
As my career developed, I discovered something more fulfilling. I absolutely love introducing people to one another when I believe they can help each other succeed.
Finding your superpower
Over the years, I’ve realized that connecting people is not just something I enjoy. It is one of my greatest strengths. It’s a skill that has shaped my career in public relations, built my professional network and created opportunities for both my clients and countless friends and colleagues. In other words, it’s my superpower.
I suspect every one of us has one. The challenge is that we often overlook it because it comes so naturally. We assume everyone enjoys the same things we do or possesses the same abilities. They don’t. That’s why I encourage people to become students of their own joy.
For the next week, pay attention to the moments during your workday that leave you feeling energized instead of drained. Keep a simple list. Maybe you love solving complicated problems. Perhaps you enjoy mentoring younger employees. Maybe you thrive on organizing chaos, closing sales, writing, teaching, negotiating or creating beautiful designs. Whatever consistently brings you joy deserves your attention.
Those moments reveal something important. They may point you toward the work you should do more often and the responsibilities you should pursue. They may also explain why you have succeeded throughout your career.
When your work aligns with your strengths, success feels less like labor and more like purpose. You become more valuable to your employer, clients and colleagues because you are working where you excel. As a result, you are happier.
Moments that matter
Success is rewarding, but enjoying what you do every day is an achievement all by itself. So here is my challenge for you. Start noticing the moments that bring you genuine joy. Look for patterns. Ask yourself why those moments matter so much.
You may discover, just as I did years after those lonely days in the Sugarloaf mailroom, that your greatest source of joy has been quietly revealing your superpower all along. Once you know your superpower, you will be amazed at how many doors it can open, both professionally and personally.
