“The whole thrust of our company is fun.” Jenniefer Kirk, President of Sales of Kirks Folly

What factors make work enjoyable? Passion, a positive attitude and a sense of excitement and adventure—and fun—are the things that make work more than “just a job.” There’s no mystery in the fact that the rewards of work, both tangible and intangible, are greater when people are truly engaged in what they’re doing. Nor is it a surprise that other talented people are inspired to work with and for people who are having a great time and enjoying high levels of success.

Whether it’s better customer relations or breakthrough products you seek, you’re more likely to achieve them if you’re energized by a passion for what you want to do, the leavening touch of humor, and the ability to enjoy the challenges you face.

Successful people tell me that they like accomplishing great things, in many cases despite daunting odds, but that they also want to enjoy what they do. They say that having a good time, even having fun, is a major part of the success equation. Having a good time takes a number of forms; from designing and developing creative products or services to pleasing customers to figuring out ways to keep business growing to working with other people.

It’s not so much what successful people do but how they go about doing it that makes their work enjoyable and fun for them.

For instance, Nancy Mueller, founder of Nancy’s Specialty Foods, says “The fun is in achieving objectives and the excitement is in building the brand.”  Over the years, Nancy surpassed her initial dreams many times over. “Your goals grow along with the opportunities. The passion comes from the challenge and the excitement of growth.”

Jenniefer Kirk, President of Sales of Kirks Folly, says, “The whole thrust of our company is fun. Our product is fun. It’s pure whimsy and fantasy designed to make people happy, and make people smile. That’s really what this company is about.” Wonder what her company makes? Jewelry. Around the often angelic and fairytale inspired pieces, Kirks Folly has a newsletter, The Angelic Herald, and has organized Caribbean cruises to inspire and include their customer.

This doesn’t mean that Nancy and Jenniefer had fun every minute of their business lives, but they relished the challenges and the opportunities they saw in their businesses. Women like them radiate enthusiasm and joy that many don’t traditionally associate with work. T

How can you, like these women, master the art of enjoying what you do?

1.     Offer services and products you are proud of

2.     Create work groups that enjoy one another

3.     Tap into your creative side

4.     Meet and overcome difficult challenges with integrity and energy

5.     Keep a sense of humor even in difficult times