Hi there,

What if you could love your work again? 

Sounds bold, right? 

Let’s start NOW, with a simple question:

When do you feel like you’re crushing it at work?

Two options. Pick one:

1. When you’ve checked everything off your to-do list? 
2. When you’ve solved a problem, presented something that makes you shine, imagined a new idea, or contributed to something extraordinary?

I pick 2. every time.

Don’t get me wrong — I love my to-do list too. It keeps the chaos in check and helps me feel in control. But, here’s the catch: getting through a to-do list might feel productive, but it’s not always fulfilling. 

It's the work that truly makes an impact—the kind that reminds you why you love what you do — is something else entirely. 

We get addicted to the dopamine hit of checking things off. And when that happens, it’s easy to confuse busywork with brilliant work. 

We start defining “crushing it” as simply getting through that list.

You’re undercutting your own brilliance. And, BTW, research shows this can even lower your job satisfaction, engagement and well-being.

So, to kick off the new year right, bring out your brilliance!

Your value is not just about getting stuff done.Your superpowers lie in strategizing, innovating, creating, or solving complex problems—the kind that makes you (and others) go, “Wow.”

We call it “Wow Work.”

One thing I’m certain of: you have wow in you. 

Let’s start 2025 by asking ourselves what our Wow Work looks like:

1. What work have I done that makes me think, “Damn, I crushed that”?
Maybe it’s a project you finished that got great results or a solution no one else saw. What’s that thing you look back on and think, “Yep, that was all me and I’m damn proud of it.”

2. What kind of work makes me feel like I’m in my zone?
You know the feeling — it’s challenging, but you’re locked in. Time flies, and you walk away energized. What’s that for you?

3. If I could design my dream workday, what would I spend most of my time doing? Be honest. What’s the work that feels exciting, fulfilling, and worth every second? If you’re not doing enough of it, why not?

So, what’s your Wow Work? Take a minute to think about it — you deserve to start the year remembering what makes you extraordinary.

My Wows

Since examples help, here’s a look back at a couple of of my wows:

• I LOVE cracking ideas that will transform how people think and work. One of my initial wows came in the early days of in-sync, an insights-based brand consultancy I founded prior to The Difference Lab. We pioneered leveraging social sciences into insight work — like hiring our first anthropologist before a model even existed. How could we apply anthropology and sociology to our work? It took a lot of trial and error, but we cracked it, and this model became our engine to help clients uncover unique insights to differentiate, develop and elevate their brand/products.
  
  
• I LOVE feeding curiosity in kids. I tried to do that with my own kids. The key was holding back from blurting out the answer — hard for us super-skilled problem-solvers. Instead, I prompted them with,“Before we change it, what do you love about it?” I’d follow with, “Great, me too,” and then ask, “What else could we try?” Sparking a child’s imagination and giving them the space to share their thoughts and ideas freely is some of my best Wow Work. Whether it’s exploring how things work, experimenting with art, or diving into a new story, these small nudges show kids their curiosity is valued and worth pursuing.

Try This Subtraction This Week

What’s one task or activity that’s on your calendar or to-do list this week that interferes with you doing some Wow Work? Got it? Now subtract it. NOW. 

You don’t have to eliminate it completely. Subtraction has options.

Here’s our S.E.T.S. model to help you out. HINT: Reduce “T”ime. Cut one meeting, maybe a 1:1 back to 30-minutes.

Here’s the deal: We’re in the subtraction business — not just for kicks, but to find time for your Wow Work. Every little subtraction clears the path for big brilliance — not clearing more emails. So, go on — give it a try.

Quick Tip: A Great Question

Here’s a gem from my friend Ingrid Skogan. 

When looking at kids’ art, rather than saying “What is that?” or guessing (which can go terribly wrong), try:

“Why don’t you tell me about your drawing?”

This small shift sparks curiosity and opens up a world of insights you might’ve missed otherwise.

The same applies to work. When faced with someone’s decision or approach, resist the urge to assume or jump in. Instead, say, “that’s interesting” and ask:

“Why don’t you tell me what led you to make that choice?”

Curiosity first keeps you open to unexpected ideas or solutions that can lead to Wow Work.

Thank you for reading!

I caught up with a friend before the holidays and she inspired the idea of Wow Work. In our monthly chats, we tackle business challenges or ideas we’re trying to crack. 

When she’s feeling down about something she feels she’s not doing right, I remind her of what she’s exceptional at. I encourage her to focus some time there. 

She leaves our calls buoyed by the reminder that she’s exceptional at things — and to not define herself by her struggles. Try this: when someone’s hard on themselves, remind them what they’re exceptional at. 

Here's a pic of a personal WOW!

You’re exceptional too!

♥️ Janet

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Janet Winkler

Co-Founder The Difference Lab

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