Why You Should Have a Love Folder

Would you believe someone if they said they loved going to work 100% of the time? I truly wish this could be true. But unfortunately, I don’t think it is realistic. There are always going to be days where you just don’t want to be there. Maybe something in your personal life is preoccupying your mind, or you are feeling a little under the weather, or a customer rained on your parade. I think this is perfectly acceptable and normal. In my role, I strive to connect people with job opportunities where they can say they love going to work the majority of the time. To me, that is a WIN! Here’s how a love folder can help.

What exactly is a love folder?

About 14 years ago, I started what I call my “love folder.” It is a red file folder where I put things that make me happy about my job.

  • Sometimes, a hand-written thank you note makes it into this folder.
  • There are some very nice emails from clients showing their appreciation for my hard work on their behalf.
  • I have my outline from a presentation I gave that was a lot of fun to give (and well received).
  • I also have a few key marketing pieces I was involved in helping create.
  • And a really nice, thoughtful note from a manager’s performance review.

For when you’re having a bad day

It is unfortunate these kudos don’t come as often as we would like. I am happy I recognized this a long time ago and knew I should purposefully hold onto these key examples of a “job well done.” Now my love folder is my go-to when I am having a bad day. On these days, I randomly reach in and pull out a memory that inevitably helps me remember why I do love coming to work most days.

If you don’t currently have a love folder, maybe today is a great day to start.

Written by Tiffany Appleton
Director, Accounting & Finance Division