High 5 Weekly Career Transitions Roundup: Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection

This is our weekly roundup of some of the best career-related articles, interviews, blogs, etc., we've read during the week. We share them so you have some great resources to prepare you for the coming week. Enjoy!

• Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection: "The most useful reflection involves the conscious consideration and analysis of beliefs and actions for the purpose of learning. Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences."

• How to Thrive When Feeling Stuck in a Rut: "Courage is something we can develop and build throughout a lifetime. Think of it as a byproduct of all that life presents to you -- the victories and the losses."

• What to Do When You Love Your Job But Hate Your Boss: "Think about the role you want after this one and strategically work to gather the experiences, contacts and training you'll need to step into that position."

• Here's When You Should or Shouldn't Listen to Feedback: "You’ll benefit from negative feedback if you’re sure about your commitment and you’re an expert—you know what and how to do it, but need the extra push to get going."
• 3 Scientific Reasons Clutter Can Stress You Out: "An excess of physical clutter can overload the visual cortex, competing for attention in your brain and interfering with your ability to focus and process information."

4 Ways to Love Your Job

The start of the new year is a good time to get a new start at your job and this can be particularly important if you're finding it difficult to like your job. Job satisfaction is important to your health, your emotional well-being, and to your career success.

You can take steps to love your job and the following four ideas will get you headed in the right direction:

1. Personalize your work area. You might not be able to add new lighting to your workplace or change the color on the walls but you can take some small steps to make your work space more comfortable. Bring in a picture of someone you love, or a photo of your favorite vacation spot. Post an inspirational quote or some other line that inspires you. Bring in a small plant.

2. Take on your most difficult tasks first. You can enjoy your work more if you're able to get the work you least enjoy done first and can then move on to tasks or work you enjoy more. Of course, this is not always possible, depending on your job, but set this as a goal and you'll find yourself energized when you complete that despised task.

3. Spend time with co-workers you enjoy and develop friendships. Many people find that they enjoy the people they work with much more than they enjoy the work itself. Take the time to get to know your co-workers, have lunch with them and socialize outside of the job, and you'll find yourself looking forward to going to work in the morning.

4. Seek out a mentor at your work place. Having someone on your side, who has your best interests at heart, and can help you grow as an employee can help you enjoy your work more. A mentor does these things so seek one out. Today!