Why is it so hard to get up and go to work each morning? Maybe you've asked yourself that question lately. If so, you may be simply surviving on your job, instead of thriving.

 

Another roadblock to thriving is when you feel you're in a dead-end job that's going nowhere. If you feel trapped in your job, let me ask you: Have you ever asked for more responsibility? Have you ever suggested a better system? If you really want to thrive, stop blaming others and see if you can turn the job you have into a more challenging one. Think of something you can do and simply do it without being told. Re-write your job description and see if there's a possibility for change. Ask for training opportunities. Learn new skills. Don't just talk about it; do it!

 

In James 4:2 he says, "You do not have because you do not ask God." Have you prayed about that job and asked God to open up some new doors or possibilities for you? And perhaps you need to also ask your boss or your company for what you want. You don't want to be a pest, but if you don't express an interest or desire, how are they going to know? They're not mind readers, so go for what you'd like. If you do it in the right way and spirit, it will not be viewed as a negative, even if they can't do exactly what you want. You may be able to sell a new idea that would work to everyone's benefit.

 

I've noticed that often our biggest roadblock to really thriving on our jobs is lack of discipline and dependability. For example, do you:

 

In other words, are you dependable? It's easy to identify the problems that other people have, but first we need to check out our own behavior. Jesus said "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?"

 

These are the kinds of things you expect and appreciate from others, so make sure you're not guilty of some of the bad habits which irritate you in others. That will go a long way to making you a thriver, not just a survivor.