Most days at work are good, solid days. Some are even great days- - when you're extremely productive, getting along easily with your colleagues and buyers, celebrating a major "win", launching a new product, or enjoying an important landmark.
But now and then you experience 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?
Often, it's just an issue of surviving and delivering a mental knuckle-bump to Scarlett O'Hara or Little Orphan Annie, who both were firmly resolved that they could think about it tomorrow, when the sun would come out, tomorrow (bet your bottom dollar). And one of the best ways to help to get yourself out of stormy seas is by bringing out your fan file.
You do have a fan file, don't you? Or a brag box? A cheer chest?
Ah! You're not alone. Most of us never take one or two additional seconds to tuck away kind words for a stormy day... But what a change it can make when you do! When it appears as if the sky is falling, they can provide a little bit of shelter from the storm and give you some much wanted perspective that can help you realize that beautiful blue skies will be right 'round the corner.
All that you need is a dedicated storage plan. It can be a plain manila folder, a basic cardboard box, a lovely wicker basket, or a special drawer within your desk or filing cabinet. The important thing is that it's a spot where you can fling things as they appear during the days and months ahead. Be looking for things that you can add to this special place: a cheery card from a friend. A print-out of an inspiring e-mail. A scribbed bit of paper where you noted that good thing your customer said. A copy of the recommendations you've received from your bosses, co-workers, or work-mates over the years, whether in formal letters or electronically through LinkedIn or your website.
When you invest the time to recognise the kind words and support you receive- - and to stick them away for future reference- - you put a deposit in against those dark days, a deposit that will be there when you want it most. A friend, it has been noted, is "someone who plays back your song when you have forgotten the words." Your fan file is an ever-present friend that can help carry the tune... so why not start one today?
But now and then you experience 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?
Often, it's just an issue of surviving and delivering a mental knuckle-bump to Scarlett O'Hara or Little Orphan Annie, who both were firmly resolved that they could think about it tomorrow, when the sun would come out, tomorrow (bet your bottom dollar). And one of the best ways to help to get yourself out of stormy seas is by bringing out your fan file.
You do have a fan file, don't you? Or a brag box? A cheer chest?
Ah! You're not alone. Most of us never take one or two additional seconds to tuck away kind words for a stormy day... But what a change it can make when you do! When it appears as if the sky is falling, they can provide a little bit of shelter from the storm and give you some much wanted perspective that can help you realize that beautiful blue skies will be right 'round the corner.
All that you need is a dedicated storage plan. It can be a plain manila folder, a basic cardboard box, a lovely wicker basket, or a special drawer within your desk or filing cabinet. The important thing is that it's a spot where you can fling things as they appear during the days and months ahead. Be looking for things that you can add to this special place: a cheery card from a friend. A print-out of an inspiring e-mail. A scribbed bit of paper where you noted that good thing your customer said. A copy of the recommendations you've received from your bosses, co-workers, or work-mates over the years, whether in formal letters or electronically through LinkedIn or your website.
When you invest the time to recognise the kind words and support you receive- - and to stick them away for future reference- - you put a deposit in against those dark days, a deposit that will be there when you want it most. A friend, it has been noted, is "someone who plays back your song when you have forgotten the words." Your fan file is an ever-present friend 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.