He seems to have it all – a great job (with an impressive title), and even better career growth prospects. And, not surprisingly, he wears a big old grin on his face, every day.

What’s his secret? How’d he get so happy? Does he have something you don’t?

If you find yourself looking around your workplace, proverbial nose pressed against the glass, you’re not doing yourself any favors. The fact is, you can’t become happier and more successful in your career by comparing yourself to others.

You have to harness happiness for yourself.

Happiness and a great attitude about your work create an amazing, self-reinforcing, upward spiral of growth. The happier you are, the more you’ll attract positive, career-building opportunities; the more opportunities you have to grow in your chosen career, the happier you’ll be.

How can you get started on the path to greater happiness in your career? Try these ideas:

Realize there’s no linear path to career success.

That guy you’re comparing yourself to (the one who seems to have it all)? To an outsider like you, his climb up the ladder may seem straight. But what you don’t see are all the mistakes, stalls, poor decisions and obstacles he likely dealt with along the way.

Be realistic about what success looks like from the inside. And then let yourself off the hook. Despite your diligence and best-laid plans, things will go wrong. Career plans will fall apart. Heck, you may even find yourself fired from a job through no fault of your own. But while you may not be able to control what happens to you, you can control how you respond. Resolve to be kinder to yourself, view setbacks as temporary, and correct your career course when you get off track.

Let go of irritations.

Frustrated that you got passed over for a promotion? Resentful of a team member who doesn’t pull his weight? Envious of another employee’s job title? Get past it! Harboring negative feelings undermines any chance you have of increasing your happiness at work. Change what you can about yourself and your work situation. Speak up and ask for what you deserve. Let go of petty frustrations which fuel a negative mindset – and make more room for positive thoughts.

Inventory what makes you happy in your career.

Beyond earning a paycheck, what motivates you to work hard? If you haven’t already, take some time away from work to consider what drives you from within. Ask yourself questions like:

• Are you energized by working independently or as part of a group?
• Do you enjoy creating things? Diagnosing problems? Fixing things? Using your hands or your mind?
• Do you prefer to be the leader or a follower in work situations?
• What are your favorite aspects of your job? What responsibilities do others have that you’d also like to have?

Understanding your motivations and preferences can give you tremendous insight as to the best path for your future career growth. Not surprisingly, sources of motivation also tend to be sources of happiness in your career.

Pursue what makes you happy at work.

Moving forward, seek opportunities that align with your natural motivators:

• volunteer for projects and “stretch” assignments in your areas of interest;
• inquire about cross-training to develop new skills which you find appealing;
• ask to shadow someone with your dream job;
• find a mentor to help you translate what drives you into tangible job responsibilities.

Want to be happier in your career?

Contact an Exact Staff Career Agent. We can help you identify your strengths, evaluate your career options, and find assignments and full-time positions that align with your goals – and make you truly happy on a professional and personal level. Search jobs here.