To enjoy your work completely, you need both discipline and playfulness, structure and flexibility.

In my current working pattern, adding more discipline makes the biggest difference to my level of enjoyment at work. I usually think of discipline as a harsh, unpleasant characteristic, but in practice, it makes me feel productive and energized. When I am both disciplined and playful, I have the most fun.

I have a client who has tried to discipline himself with strict routines and demanding goals. He recently realized that an inflexible approach only leads him to resist and eventually fail completely to achieve his goals. Now he is setting goals without being rigid. He sets them more playfully as something he wants, but not something he 'has to' do. The structure of routines helps him use his time effectively to achieve what is important. His flexibility to change the routine when necessary gives him choice and makes him feel empowered and free.

Do you need more playfulness or more discipline to help you love your work?