Our work occupies a large part of life. The only way to be happy and satisfied is to work in a career in which you believe and do great work. Love your job.

New England Patriots’ Coach Bill Belichick has made the phrase “Do your job” into the shortest mission statement in the NFL. It is not the opposition’s job to help you do your job.

My wife Christine has the shortest mission statement I ever came across: “Be nice!” Is it that simple? She lives her mission. Nice gets you further than nasty.

When you love what you do, it is much easier to do your job well. Find your passion and pursue it. Life will be miserable if you do not satisfy that thirst!

Others know when you do your job. It should not be your self-image but the job you do defines you in the eyes of others.

Confucius observed “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Your job tells your story if you do it well. Either quit complaining and do your job or look for another one.

MAKE NO MISTAKE, every single job is a challenge, no matter how big or small. Find ways to adjust into the new role even on those days when fulfilling the role requires a stretch. Know that others know what you did. They notice.

You will not be good at your job if all you do is just your job. That is where your passion kicks in and true love comes out.

Over the years I have spoken to Milliken & Company scores of times. They are a privately-held textile company based in Spartanburg, a world-wide conglomerate with thousands of employees and other subsidiaries.

On a wall in one Milliken plant where I spoke was a sign that read “Don’t stop until you are proud.” That pretty much says it all.

I could add… change your attitude or change your job.

That’s a simple solution but am I encouraging you to be a quitter? Absolutely not.

I am admonishing you to be a joiner and then do it regardless of the pay. I often speak for free because I believe in a cause.

Would you do your job for free? Would you show up early and stay late to get the job done? The job you do tells what kind of person you are much better than the role the boss may expect you to play.

My late friend Jim Rohn, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame, said, “Work harder on yourself than you do your job.” That is key.

Imagine what the job would be if you did not have one. Simply put, your job is what you are paid to do. Your passion and your work are what you are born to do.

If your goals are small, you will not be inspired to reach them. Have big, audacious dreams and inspirational goals. Mediocre goals cheat you and your co-workers.

Mark Twain said it best: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if your job is to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first!” Next: Mack’s Meatheads

Lexington native Michael Aun is the recipient of the George Morrisey Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Speakers Association of Central Florida.