Want Better Results? Start by Being 10% Happier at Work

Ever stare at a task you should be doing…and suddenly reorganize your sock drawer instead?

You’re not lazy—you’re human. The work that drains you isn’t a character flaw; it’s a clue about your wiring.

And think about the last time you judged yourself or a teammate for dragging their feet on a project.

What if that delay wasn’t laziness or incompetence, but a sign the work simply didn’t fit their strengths?

Stop with the Guilt and Judgment

Stop with the guilt already.
And the judgment.
And the dread.

I’m sick of it.
So are you.
And so is your team.

You’re not supposed to LOVE every facet of your business. (For me, it’s the proofing & finishing. 🙃) So why do we often beat ourselves up for not completing the work we dread? Enough!

Because the amazing part of being an owner or leader is that you have the unique opportunity to lean into the work you do best and allow others to efficiently and effectively complete the rest.

Do the Work That Lights You Up

Do the work that lights you up! It will make you, and your team feel better.

First of all, let’s start with a little less guilt and judgment. Raise your hand if you’ve ever beaten yourself up for not finishing the work you dread.

🙋‍♀️ Yeah, me too.

It’s easy to blame ourselves for struggling with certain tasks. But just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean you are wired to do all things with ease despite what we tell ourselves.

We all tend to place different values on different kinds of work.

Maybe you were “the thinker always coming up with ideas” while your sibling was “the finisher who got everything done on time.”

Both types of work are valuable!

Because great ideas die without finishers, and great finishers need something worth finishing.

Releasing judgment on the value of the work you do best is the first step toward increasing your happiness.

Frustration Isn’t Failure—It’s Feedback

When you constantly bump into work that drains you, it’s not a moral failing. It’s a neon sign pointing to what belongs with someone else.

And no, giving away frustrating work doesn’t mean you lack grit.

Grit is the muscle you flex during crunch time, when a project’s on fire and you’ve got to push through. But everyday working frustrations? Those are the long-term joy stealers. And smart leaders know the difference.

So dig in with grit for a season, but design your role and your team so you’re not living in frustration every day.

Everyone Is Working in Their Genius

Get the right work in the right hands and suddenly everything clicks. And everyone’s happier.

Picture this:
You walk into the office and the energy is different. The work that used to stall out is moving forward without you having to push. The team is buzzing, because everyone is doing the kind of work that energizes them.

You’re not chasing details you secretly dread, and you’re not carrying the weight of projects that should never have been yours.

Instead, you’re free to focus on the parts of the business that light you up, casting vision, nurturing relationships, or driving strategy.

And here’s the best part…
Your happiness multiplies because it’s not just you thriving.

Everyone around you is more engaged, more productive, and more fulfilled.

How much happier are you in that moment? 10%? Maybe more?

That’s the “promised land” not just personal joy, but a business where joy is shared, and results naturally follow.

Now let’s take that picture in your head and start making it a reality…

Pick one task that drains you. Instead of muscling through it, ask yourself:

(Because the work that drains you is work that could light someone else up!)

Hand off even a small piece of it.

Now watch what happens to your energy…and theirs!

I’m here for you,

Laurie