As a coach with a worldwide audience, this is a common symptom I find occurring throughout the world. Many people aren't happy.
They might be worried about their job. They might be afraid of making the wrong decision. They might hate management for they myriad ways they make bad decisions.
They might be worried about their customer base, or competition, or a massive change in the industry which will leave them behind.
When I run into someone who isn't happy, I give them three simple choices:
- Do nothing. Keep complaining and do the same ol' thing.
- Change the dynamic. Modify a process. Change your attitude.
- Move. Get out and move on to another opportunity.
It's that simple. I never point people to #1 — they will remain unhappy and never change. I always point people to #2 — change something in their career or business that will make a substantial change to make them feel happy and energized again. If that doesn't work — we immediately move to #3 — get out ASAP.
When you're unhappy, you usually have lost control or direction. You need to re-acquire your bearings and change your situation. If you don't, it's just going to get worse — you will care even less, get frustrated more often, and eventually get sloppy about how you deliver your work. You ultimately get fired or your business closes. I see it happen ALL THE TIME.
So if you're unhappy — CHANGE THE DYNAMIC. Alter something with your business or job — just pick ONE area and try something new.
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou