Oct 04, 2016

Coming back to work after a long weekend, it's HARD! Aaargh! You drag your body out of bed, follow your routine, get to work, and…or, you've got a difficult client to meet with, and things haven’t been going so well with them, and here we go again…

I could go on giving you scenarios but I think you get the drift. How do we move up a gear and get into the "zone"? Three ways that work for me are to have a mental "talk," remind myself that’s it’s my decision, and reward myself.

My MENTAL TALK consists of me using the time from when I arrive in the car park basement/bus stop, until the moment I actually set foot in the office, to tell myself that I’m professional and have to do a job that I want to be proud of. I don’t like being "off my game" and it matters more to me, than whatever negativity or reluctance I might be feeling at the time. I actually practice smiling in the lift (obviously, if no one else is in the lift with me!) and tell myself that the day will be over in a few hours. Actually, I break the day into smaller segments and set lunch time as something to look forward to, and then the end of the day.

My job as a trainer has many aspects that I really enjoy. I love the exchange of ideas and class dynamics but most of all, it’s a buzz when I feel I've made a positive difference. Enthusiasm and conviction are vital to get my message across. Another thing that I am all too aware of, is that having a job is not something to be taken for granted. Since I’m employed, it really is important to give my best; the organisation expects it, and so should I, of myself. Lest you think that I’m a permanently cheerful "energiser bunny," please don’t misunderstand; I get negative like the rest of  us, but perhaps it’s because I believe I have a CHOICE to make about how I need to be, that I can "switch" my attitude.

Finally, and the absolutely best bit of all, I make deals with myself. I bribe myself to do things that are less enjoyable with small REWARDS. Sometimes, it’s the thought of "vegging" in front of TV and watching some shows, sometimes it’s doing something for myself at lunchtime, or deciding that "take-out" will be a nice change for dinner. Sometimes, it’s pouring my feelings out to a great listener and just appreciating being heard. Exercise, a walk, being with friends and a host of other ideas all qualify as rewards.

So when you’re next inclined to dread the week ahead, or that next customer, just have a chat with yourself, tell yourself you have a choice to make, and best of all, enjoy that reward.