ou spend so much time at work that it only makes sense to do your best to be happy in your career. After all, life really is too short to spend 40 (or 50 or 60) hours a week being miserable. So how do you find joy in your job? Make the decision to be happy in it.

You might be thinking, "Sure, easy for you to say, you don't work for him," or "I would like to see you with a smile on your face when you have the client list I do," or even, "I'll be happy when at least one of these cold calls doesn't hang up on me."

Making the decision to be happy doesn't mean your difficult clients suddenly become pleasant, your boss finally agrees to that raise and extra week of vacation, or your commission checks skyrocket.

It simply means that you will change not only your attitude but also how you handle challenges that come your way. It means you will change what you can.

However, deciding to be happy is not easy. Our society is often geared toward negativity and pessimism. You don't see many people standing around the water cooler discussing how happy or fortunate they feel to be working for their company.

Unfortunately, for many people, it's easier and more entertaining to talk about how little their boss knows or what a jerk a certain client is. Don't fall into that trap; it's too easy. As is usually the case, the high road is the more difficult hike. But it's worth it.

Following are four things to do today that will contribute to finding happiness in your workday.

1. Form Relationships

Spending each day with people you like will make your workday not only tolerable, but also enjoyable. Take time to get to know your co-workers, superiors and clients. Express an interest in their work and their lives. Fostering relationships helps you find more joy in your workday and helps you work better with your colleagues.

2. Find a Reason

When people are unhappy, either in their professional or personal lives, it might be because they don't feel a purpose. To help find joy in your work, define why you work.

If your initial response is, "to pay the bills," try digging a little further. Is it to take care of your family? To contribute to society? To work on technologies that will have an impact on future generations? Finding a greater purpose will help you find great joy in your job.

3. Be Independent

You might think that being independent conflicts with the first item on this list, which is forming relationships. But you can be independent and have healthy relationships with your co-workers. Being independent means that you have identified your goals and you know how you plan to achieve them. It also means that you're in control of your destiny.

4. Have Confidence

Many times we don't have enough faith in our abilities. Sometimes we're afraid that if we are self-confident or proud, others will mistake it for arrogance. However, it's not only OK to recognize your strengths, it's encouraged. If you feel good about your capabilities, then you'll feel good about how you apply them to your job. Recognize and appreciate your skills.

Making a conscious decision to be happy in your career and your daily work will change your whole outlook. If something goes wrong, accept it, do what you can about it, and move on. If you've chosen to be happy, then you won't let a setback ruin your day or taint the rest of your week. If you've previously decided that whatever happens will not become a miserable nightmare, then it won't. If you do your best to form relationships and be independent and confident, then you're on your way to finding more happiness in your workday.