Most days at work are good, solid days. Some are even great days- - when you're exceedingly productive, getting along easily with your comrades and clients, celebrating a major "win", launching a new product, or enjoying a key milepost.
But every now and then you go through one of THOSE days.
You know the ones I'm talking about. Everything- - or so it seems- - goes totally, irredeemably, and absolutely WRONG. Plans fall through. The wheels fall off on your most critical initiatives. Your customers are beyond mad, and your colleagues are either downright evil or mind-bogglingly useless. Some days, it seems like you've suddenly stepped into the perfect storm of office unhappiness.
Is there any way to make those bad days better?
Usually, it's merely a question of surviving and delivering a mental knuckle-bump to Scarlett O'Hara or Little Orphan Annie, who both were clearly convinced that they could think about it tomorrow, when the sun would come out, tomorrow (bet your bottom dollar). And one of the very best methods to help get yourself past these stormy seas is by opening up your fan file.
You do have a fan file, don't you? Or a brag box? A cheer chest?
Ah! You are not alone. Most of us never take a few additional seconds to tuck away kind words for a rainy day... But what a change it can make when you do! When it seems as if the sky is falling, they can supply a little bit of shelter from the storm and give you some much-needed perspective that can help you realize that clear blue skies will be right 'round the corner.
All you really need is a dedicated storage scheme. It can be a plain manila folder, a basic cardboard box, a beautiful basket, or a special drawer within your desk or filing cabinet. The most important thing is that it's a place where you can fling things as they appear during the days and months ahead. Be on the lookout for things that you can add to this special place: a cheery card from a buddy. A print-out of an inspiring e-mail. A scribbed sheet of paper where you noted down that great thing your customer said. A copy of the recommendations you've received from your bosses, colleagues, or work-mates over the years, whether in formal letters or electronically through LinkedIn or your website.
When you take the moment to recognize the encouragement and support you receive- - and to tuck these things away for future reference- - you put a deposit in against those dark days, a deposit that'll be there when you need it most. A friend, it's been noted, is "someone who plays back your song when you've forgotten the words." Your fan file is an instrument that can help carry the tune... so why not start one today?
But every now and then you go through one of THOSE days.
You know the ones I'm talking about. Everything- - or so it seems- - goes totally, irredeemably, and absolutely WRONG. Plans fall through. The wheels fall off on your most critical initiatives. Your customers are beyond mad, and your colleagues are either downright evil or mind-bogglingly useless. Some days, it seems like you've suddenly stepped into the perfect storm of office unhappiness.
Is there any way to make those bad days better?
Usually, it's merely a question of surviving and delivering a mental knuckle-bump to Scarlett O'Hara or Little Orphan Annie, who both were clearly convinced that they could think about it tomorrow, when the sun would come out, tomorrow (bet your bottom dollar). And one of the very best methods to help get yourself past these stormy seas is by opening up your fan file.
You do have a fan file, don't you? Or a brag box? A cheer chest?
Ah! You are not alone. Most of us never take a few additional seconds to tuck away kind words for a rainy day... But what a change it can make when you do! When it seems as if the sky is falling, they can supply a little bit of shelter from the storm and give you some much-needed perspective that can help you realize that clear blue skies will be right 'round the corner.
All you really need is a dedicated storage scheme. It can be a plain manila folder, a basic cardboard box, a beautiful basket, or a special drawer within your desk or filing cabinet. The most important thing is that it's a place where you can fling things as they appear during the days and months ahead. Be on the lookout for things that you can add to this special place: a cheery card from a buddy. A print-out of an inspiring e-mail. A scribbed sheet of paper where you noted down that great thing your customer said. A copy of the recommendations you've received from your bosses, colleagues, or work-mates over the years, whether in formal letters or electronically through LinkedIn or your website.
When you take the moment to recognize the encouragement and support you receive- - and to tuck these things away for future reference- - you put a deposit in against those dark days, a deposit that'll be there when you need it most. A friend, it's been noted, is "someone who plays back your song when you've forgotten the words." Your fan file is an instrument that can help carry the tune... so why not start one today?
About the Author:
Based in Atlanta, marketing consultant Marie Elwood runs a Christian consulting firm that helps companies grow their business by getting a better understanding of their consumers.
Comments
Post a Comment