- Start you day relaxed and motivated.
Ok, "So how do you do that?" you say? First make sure that you have a good nights sleep. Have everything ready for the next day so that you are not scrambling to get out of the door. Clothes lined up for you and the children if you have any, lunches made, coffee pot ready to go.
Now, when you first wake up, decide how you want to experience the day, what you want to feel and just visualize sailing though the day easy and relaxed. Find something to get excited about. If your job is not that exciting either consider looking for one that is or find a way to make the one you have more enjoyable. If you have something to look forward to when you head out the door to work you will leave with a smile on your face. That smile is your ticket to a great day!
I don't care where you work there is probably a Mr. or Ms. Grump working there also. I once worked with a lady who didn't smile at me until I had been there for over 6 months. Several times a day I would pass by her desk, smile and ask how she was doing or just make a pleasant comment of some sort. She would grumble a bit and not even look up at me.
It became a kind of game to me to see how long it would take before she would crack a smile. Then one day, after months of "killing her with kindness", she smiled! :-) She even went so far as to ask me how I was doing. While we never became best buds; she did begin to treat me with kindness and respect just like I had been treating her. Sometimes you have to show people how to treat you.
- Remember- It's not about you!
When your co-worker or maybe even your boss is in a foul mood remember you may not know what is really gong on. A lot of times workers will assume they have done something wrong or the boss is unhappy with their performance. The reality may be that they had a fight with their spouse or recieved bad news or maybe they are having financial problems. The truth is you don't know what is going on but chances are it's not about you.
While sitting at your desk eating may seem nobel, the truth is you will be less productive. We all need a break now and then and it isn't a sin to take one. It's great to go out with your co-workers but it is also important to get some alone time. Make sure at least 2 or 3 times a week you bring your lunch and go take a walk in a park or somewhere to get away from everyone and everything. Nature has a way of reviving you so try to soak in a little each day.
Have a Zen lunch, where you slowly savor and focus on each and every bite. When you find your mind wondering to some work related problem, simply bring it back to the taste, the texture and the smell of the food you are enjoying.
Do you have a co-worker who is constantly robbing you of your precious time? They like to hang out in your office and tell you the latest gossip or their "woe is me" story. It ends up putting you both behind on your work and you may even have to stay late to finish. This creates stress! It is time to set some boundaries.
Start by making sure that your office is not too comfortable. If there is a comfy chair make sure it is piled high with files or boxes. Don't encourage your friend to settle in. Stand when you talk to the person and start to move towards the door letting them know that you have somewhere to go. If these subtle hints still don't do the trick you will simply have to have a heart to heart conversation.
Let the offender know that you value them but you also value your time. Tell them in no uncertain terms that you cannot spend your prescious work hours chatting but would love to make Wednesdays available for lunch so you can catch up on the gossip. :-)
You don't want to make enemies but you do want to own your time. Be firm but friendly offering options for a get together at a later time.
cc2010 Kathryn Watson
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