Landing a new job or getting a promotion is exhilarating at any time, but even more so when the nation is experiencing record-breaking unemployment.

Often we think: If I could just get this job or land that promotion, then I’ll be happy. But where in the benefits package of any company do we find a mention of the word “happiness?”

In reality, workers today feel more pressure than ever. The phrase “do more with less” seems inadequate to describe the performance expectations that are now the norm. Rapidly changing technology and the global marketplace pit tech-savvy younger workers against experienced older workers, and highly compensated domestic employees find themselves competing with lower-cost, offshore staffs.

Still, let’s not abandon the implied benefit of happiness at work, because upon close examination, we see that the letter “I” is in the center of the word happiness.

Consider these tips:

Set realistic goals. Each year many of us make New Year’s resolutions, then just as quickly forget why we ever thought we could achieve such grandiose goals. Baby steps are the key. Establish short-term and long-term goals with intervening milestones. The short-term success will keep us motivated as we pursue the longer-term goals.

Just as marathon runners build their endurance over time, identify small goals that will lead to your ultimate success.

Find what motivates you and make sure it’s always around. Ask yourself: “Why am I working in this job?” Beyond the obvious -- money -- knowing why you selected a particular occupation or position is a key to self-motivation. Feeling empowered to believe that you chose your occupation, company and position will improve your feelings of control when things are less than desirable at work.

Celebrate your successes. Who says celebrations should occur only when the boss deems it so? Defining individual success can be a key to your career happiness. If we are honest with ourselves, there are always those areas where we feel inadequate, and we do everything possible to prevent others from finding those shortcomings. Success is often achieved when obstacles are overcome. The best success is your personal satisfaction with yourself.

Be resilient and stay flexible. If there is anything we have learned with the turn of the 21st Century, it is this: Change is constant. Children provide terrific examples of resiliency and flexibility. They may fall when learning to ride a bike, but they always seem to get back up.

Encountering obstacles, and even failure, is no reason to stay down. Free yourself from the constraints of what was done in the past and open your mind to new possibilities.

Remember the “I” that is at the center of your happiness. Work does not bring you happiness, you bring happiness to work.

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Della B. Cauley is president of Best Innovative Consulting Inc. of Charlotte, which provides coaching and management consulting services.

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