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There's an epidemic going around. Far too many leaders are cynical and bored. Know anyone who's saying this . . .
"I've been with my organization for so many years and I'm BORED. I want more from my job. I'm just going through the motions. I don't hink anything will change. How can I keep my sanity and make a difference?"
Leaving your job isn't the only answer! Believe me; the grass is not always greener. Besides, organizations need capable leaders.
Ask yourself, am I waiting for someone or something else besides me to change? Am I waiting for my boss to get a vision or my peers to step up to the plate? Am I waiting for somebody else to say, "This doesn't make sense? We're not making progress. Let's do something!"
It's risky to rock the boat, tell the truth, and take initiative. But sitting on discontent doesn't make us powerful. We lose our ability to contribute.

If you're longing for something more at work, here are specific actions you can take:
1. Decide how long you're willing to stay in your current job. If it is less than six months, start looking for a new job immediately! If you'll be around at least 6 months, make a commitment and do something!
2. Commit to ‘being present' in your current position. Admit what you like and don't like and advocate for what you believe is important. Decide what you want. Up your ante.
3. Be BOLD and idealistic. Identify changes you want to see happen. Don't worry about HOW these changes are going to happen or whether you can accomplish them. Simply list what you want. (Already you're starting to feel better.)
Ask yourself: What needs to be fixed? (You won't have to look far.) What am I simply tolerating? What should be tackled head on? What specifically do I want to be different? In my department? Division? Organization?
4. Select one thing you'd like to change that you are passionate about. Identify a project or a way of working that you believe is very important. Write down exactly what you'd like to see happen. Be specific. Again, don't worry about whether the change is doable. Focus on what you are passionate about DOING. Use your frustration as ‘fuel' for change.
5. Face your worst nightmare. Ask yourself, if I tackle this challenge, what's the worst thing that can happen? What's going to happen if l fail or lose my job? Look at the positive side as well. Make a decision to take action.
6. Explore new possibilities. Throw out skepticism and doubt. Brainstorm with a friend. Ask yourself, what could be radically different? What's really needed? How could this situation be transformed to create powerful outcomes?
7. Commit! Put angst into action. Ask yourself, what action can I take TODAY to bring about change? Who else wants this change to happen? Find a friend and enlist their support.
8. Take risks. Everyday, take action to move towards your goal. Get used to failure, learn from mistakes, and share your successes. You'll come alive! Failure won't kill you half as fast as boredom will.
If you're unwilling to commit, then stop wasting time ruminating about how things should BE. Live with what you've got! Enjoy the paycheck and the benefits! Stop the pretense.
Whether you succeed or not, you'll feel better the minute you move past our "should's, ought to's, and can't do's" and get into action.
Job satisfaction is a decision away. It's about deciding to move towards what we want. We simply say YES.
So let's stop slogging around -- and KICK IT!

Topics

• Leadership