We are responsible for the way that we show up for work every day. There will always be times where we don't want to be at work and feel disengaged, for one reason or another, but the reality is, going to work feeling negative will only set you up for more disappointment. Be Better - Not Bitter is a mantra that we can use when decisions go against us or we wish things had worked out another way. This will help ensure we do not spiral into a negative mindset.
“I can’t believe she got the praise for that work. I was the one who did most of it!” We have a decision to make, to allow that to be an excuse to gossip, complain, or at worst, undermine our colleague, or to wish them well, find a positive angle, and show our support to the person who also contributed. The first option will put you and your team into a negative environment and the later will provide the mindset to see the next opportunity and work with a clear head.
Listening to Jay Sheety’s audiobook, Think Like a Monk, I enjoyed him recalling an exercise he undertook at the monastery. When there was something that he found annoying about a fellow monk, he was asked to write down, next to the criticism, 10 positive traits about that person. This assisted him to be able to see, on paper (tangibly), that people are more good than bad. In addition, it helped him put his own self-criticism into perspective, resulting in a more positive self-image.
We all have the choice to allow our experiences to drive our behaviour, below the line behaviour or lift us above the line. When we make the decision to show up to work as the best version of ourselves, we are open, curious, and looking for the good in a situation. This is the best gift you can give your future self. When we are working below the line, we are resistant, defending our actions, and not moving forward.
There is a man who stands on the Goodwill Bridge in Brisbane and sells “The Big Issue” magazine (a fortnightly, independent magazine that is sold on the streets by homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people to give them a hand up, not a hand out). He is there regularly with the biggest smile on his face. He is polite and pleased to see everyone who comes past. He has an infectious attitude that people want a piece of. The daily commuters want to help him because he displays such positivity. Have you ever tried to be rude or angry to someone who is genuinely smiling at you? Give it a go. I personally have never been able to do it, and six months selling door to door taught me that less than 1% of the population can pull it off.
The big issue seller has, no doubt, many legitimate excuses to not get up in the morning, put a smile on his dial, and sell his magazines but he does it, he chooses to be better, not bitter. All you can control in life is you, your reaction, perception, and how you feel, are in your control. No one can make you feel bad or good, that is your choice. So why would you choose to feel bad about yourself or others? Find the good in each day and each person and see how much better life gets!
Comments