Love is often celebrated as a feeling we share with others – family, friends, or partners. But at its core, love is also a way of being. It’s something we can choose to bring into every aspect of our lives: how we care for ourselves, nurture our interests, or connect with our communities.
I once heard a quote that stopped me in my tracks:
“If you don’t love what you do, bring love to what you do.”
It’s a simple but profound reminder that love isn’t something we have to wait for – it’s something we can actively create.
This idea can be applied to anything in life, from how we approach daily chores to how we engage in our hobbies or build relationships. It invites us to ask:
What would it look like to bring more love, care, or intention to this moment?
As an Industrial Psychologist and Career Coach, I’ve often reflected on how powerful this mindset is when applied to our work.
Not everyone gets to do work they inherently love every day, but that doesn’t mean our careers can’t be fulfilling or meaningful. By bringing love to what we do, we can transform how we experience work and create opportunities for greater satisfaction and purpose.
So what does it actually look like to bring love into your work?
Every role contributes to something larger. For instance, if you’re in customer service, you’re not just resolving complaints – you’re creating moments of care for people in their day.
Shifting your perspective can help you see your work as a small but valuable part of a much bigger story.
Love at work shows up in how we treat others. It could mean showing kindness to a stressed-out teammate, giving thoughtful feedback, or simply making time to check in.
I’ve seen teams thrive when members begin prioritising connection and mutual appreciation. One team I worked with set aside five minutes at the start of each meeting to highlight what was going well and the ripple effects were incredible.
Not every task will feel inspiring. But bringing love here might mean reframing the task or finding small ways to make it more enjoyable.
For instance, a teacher who dreads marking tests might reframe it as an opportunity to better understand their students, and begin writing one positive note per paper. This small shift creates connection and purpose.
Bringing love to your career also means loving yourself enough to invest in your growth. Whether it’s learning something new, seeking out mentorship, or simply giving yourself grace on tough days – these small acts of care can reignite your passion.
This February, I invite you to explore how you can bring more love into all areas of your life, not just your work. Maybe it’s savouring your morning coffee with more gratitude. Maybe it’s showing kindness to someone in your community. Maybe it’s offering yourself the same compassion you give to others.
And when it comes to your career, ask yourself:
How can I bring love to what I do?
Maybe it’s finding the meaning behind a task you’ve been avoiding. Or maybe it’s about deepening your connections with the people you work with.
Love is an action. It’s something we practice and cultivate every day. When we approach life, and work, with this intention, we create a ripple effect that not only transforms our experience but uplifts those around us.
What does bringing love to what you do look like for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories.