The first job I ever wanted was to be a “garbage man.”

I would run out to the curb each week when the garbage truck came. The garbage man would greet me with a big smile and say, “How are you, Jimmy?” It was exceedingly apparent that this man had a positive attitude while performing what most would call a smelly, repetitive and mundane job.

This man loved his job because he saw beyond the required tasks and faithfully served and cared for others. For him, it had little to do with the job itself. At the age of five, I wanted to be just like him because, as I look back now, I sensed his service, commitment, devotion and calling.

Calling? Isn’t that just an outdated theological concept?

Well, no. Calling applies to everyone. Calling is a heartfelt perspective that you are to be a faithful steward of your time, abilities and employment opportunity to serve the Creator and your fellow man.

The most potent and underutilized way to enhance productivity, engagement, performance, and even personal health is having a calling perspective of work. This perspective produces a rare breed of people who contribute to others and who are workplace transformers. Calling will bring meaning and fulfillment to any job or career.

First, you will have a tangible positive impact in the lives of co-workers, clients, patrons, patients, and even strangers. With this perspective of service, your thoughts, inclinations, feelings and approach to your job will be transforming influences in the lives of others. A self-sacrificing mantra will provide deep and abiding joy wherever you find yourself. This challenges entrenched mindsets. But seeing work as a calling is a decision, a choice to serve and invest, even if you currently find yourself in a less-than-enthralling career.

Research shows that the personal benefits of this perspective are truly phenomenal. Amy Wrzesniewski, a professor at Yale University, itemized a profound and comprehensive list of the many work and personal (physical and psychological) tangible blessings experienced by people who possess a calling perspective.

At work, those with a calling perspective have a commitment to their co-workers beyond their job requirements. They are committed, service-oriented team players. People who view their work as a calling do not long for the evenings and weekends, but thrive during the workday. These employees rise to higher levels of accomplishment within their employment settings. They place value on their work, are very engaged and make a conscious decision to enjoy their work.

For more information, visit http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2016/05/18/garbage-man-changed-life/84576664/.

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