Every week passes by with slow ticks of the office clock. A non-stop drudge of meetings and emails.
Then, at last Friday comes, you can escape for another couple of days.
But then it’s Monday again.
In fact, Sunday was only half a day off. You spent the rest of the day prepping and checking emails, ready for Monday.
It’s a rat race.
A rat race with great pay, or at least decent money for the hours.
Good pension, nice office, helpful colleagues, friendly team.
I’m certainly not here to tell you to walk away from that. Side hustles aren’t right for everyone.
I worked in corporate for years, but boy, it wasn’t easy. Yes, it paid for my house and car, and more. That’s why I did it.
Stress, bullying, boredom, lack of appreciation for skills or efforts, not so much.
Anyway, enough doom and gloom.
What if you changed your mindset?
Yes. That word that is all over social media right now.
Mindset.
What if you actually smiled on your way to work?
How amazing would it feel to be happy every day, to not dread those meetings?
Interested?
Can’t see it would make a difference?
It’s a shift to focus on the good things. Concentrate on the skills you use, the value you give, the benefits your job brings to you and your family.
Work is a tradeoff. Your skills and time for their money.
Think back to when you first took the job. You were excited.
It’s all about recapturing that enthusiasm and optimism.
Give it a go. What’s the worse that can happen?
OK, ready to try it? It takes effort, but these steps can help you shift that mindset.
The Night Before Work
Get your clothes ironed, shoes cleaned, bag packed.
Leave nothing to the morning.
If you are travelling, enter the sat nav settings in your phone.
Eat early and don’t drink too much alcohol.
Get an early night. The myth of three-hour sleep success is finally put to bed (sorry, couldn’t resist that one).
It is so much less stressful if you aren’t running around trying to find your keys. Or looking for your uniform, only to discover it’s in the wash basket.
Morning Affirmation
Every morning, repeat your affirmations out loud.
It’s weird but by saying things we trigger our brains. If you believe in it, it wakes up those manifesting gods too. Worth a shot, right?
I can’t tell you what to say, it’s a personal thing, but I can give you some examples.
I am grateful
I am courageous
I am thankful for this opportunity to…
- Support my family
- Serve others with my gift
- Work with a team of amazing people
I am stronger today than yesterday
Get the idea?
Oh, and always say them in the present tense, no hiding behind ‘I will… ’ it’s ‘I am… ’
Breakfast
If you aren’t a morning eater, try to change that habit.
I’m not talking about cooking a full English, but a cereal bar on the run isn’t as good for you as a sit down with the family or a smoothie and eggs.
My mum used to lay the table the night before, I used to think she was daft, but now I realise she was ahead of her time.
Just too busy in a morning? Make some overnight oats in a pot you can take with you. Pre-packed food is often packed with salt and sugar. Make it yourself and save money as well as eat healthier.
Don’t forget to fill a reusable water bottle, your brain is mainly water, keep it nourished.
Arrival
Ten minutes early is less stressful than being just a few minutes late.
Plan your journey so you have a few minutes to sit and breathe.
In your car, on a bench outside, in the staff room. Sit and take a breath.
Close your eyes, repeat those affirmations if you need to.
Super [wo] man Pose
This actually works too!
If you have a stressful meeting, or are nervous about an interview, hold the superman pose for a few minutes.
Hide in the loo if you feel stupid. Hold your head up. Strike the pose. Know you are powerful.
Then smile and get to work.
Daily Reminders
This can really help you see the benefits of the job. Scribble down what that day will bring you.
Work out how much you earn a day or per shift.
What does that buy? Does it pay for your gas bill or a day’s rent?
Are you saving for a holiday? Your day’s pay covers a scuba lesson.
Attach defined rewards to your money. I’m not talking about extra fancy coffees or muffins. I mean real defined essentials you are paying for by being at work.
Recognise the value.
Escape Plan
OK, I know. Sometimes no matter what you do, no matter how many times you try, you just can’t be happy in the job you’re in.
If you know you will not do that job forever, or worse, if you know they will make you redundant or retire soon, it’s hard to stay positive.
Hard, but not impossible.
It might be the job is OK, but you feel stuck and want to shift your life work balance.
You just need a plan.
I’d love to hear about your tricks for staying motivated and happy at work.
I work with overwhelmed professionals 1-2-1 to help them decide on creative solutions to that midlife rut.
If your mindset shift is just a short-term fix, why not get in touch?
No judgment. I’ve been there and know the sticking points.
I’m living my best life, you can too.
Credit: Image by Pexels at Pixabay – A woman jumping into the air to show how happy she is