Engage at Work by Leaving Work!

Engage at Work by Leaving Work!

Productivity through Passions

Want to know a great way to be more productive and creative at work? Leave.

A new study presented in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that there is a positive correlation in work performance and outside-of-work activities. Participants that performed creative activities outside of a work setting performed better and generated more creative ideas. In short, if you have a passion and drive for an activity or hobby outside of work...
It will help your work performance.

When time is set aside outside of a work atmosphere it enables a level of disconnect to think from a different prospective and engage uniquely. This alternate mindset has shown correlation to drive creative solutions, enhance teamwork and have a more positive attitude.

Passions can derive from work as well. As one who is a marketer of electrical components by day, I also have a hobby for electrical tinkering. For example, I have learned to write code and created electrical “toys” and equipment out of some of the components I support. This has not only been a fun experience, since I’ve created things that I’ve lusted after in the market, but I’ve taken a unique and fun approach to my products. I’ve learned more about the user experience and the product interface.

You may not have a hobby that is directly related to your career, but your hobby create a great frame for work. I have a deep passion for hunting. In reflecting on how to become a better hunter, I’ve become a better marketer. I’ve taken my deeper understanding for hunting tactics and applied to my job (see How bow hunting reinforces my marketing skills), and vise versa.

The activities in which you have a passion drive your creativity, engagement, and fulfillment. Now if you put that same passion toward your career, your tasks, and your problems – you will see the same result.

-thePonderingNick