I was traveling between NYC to Chicago some time ago and was sitting next to one of the men who worked for a major financial institution located on Wall Street. He was in search of a new job and was evaluating alternatives. While talking to the man, what impressed me was his mindset. He was contemplating the “horrible” situation, one that was extraordinarily stressful and likely to affect his family (including moving), to use it in the context of an opportunity to reconsider the situation and “start over.” He stated, “I’ve been so caught up in all of this for so many years, in many ways I’ve lost sight of what’s most important and what I really want to be doing. While I do not love this, I’m scared and uncomfortable, and I’m secretly excited about what’s to come. I feel I have a fresh start.” Hmmm. A different perspective, I’m sure you’ll agree. It was helping him tremendously. (Do you ever consider the intimate conversations that you can have with complete strangers at 33,000 feet?)
A client of mine, one of my female business leaders, said that this was among the more difficult times she’s experienced within her business, but in many ways, it was the most satisfying. What’s the secret to this? She’s focused on her thinking by checking her thoughts; she’s searching for opportunities and determining the ways she could become more efficient, more competitive, and just better. The result? A more focused and cohesive team, innovative and innovative solutions and offerings for customers, and an even more joyful and gratifying appreciation to close deals as well as connecting with customers. Again, mindset. It’s not just her team’s, but the organizations. They’re collecting the bits and pieces of budget cuts and layoffs and identifying their weaknesses, and identifying the opportunities. They’re “leaning in.”
Are you able to see the patterns? This is a good thing. The best part is that this entire mental stuff is infectious. (If you aren’t sure you want to get it, you should stop reading right now.)
There’s no doubt that at times”the “wheels come off the wagon,” things become tough, and we have in order to “reset” in areas of our lives, both personal and business. Of course. It’s life; we’re human. And with these happenings are also a huge chance to be more confident than ever and also to find joy through the process. It’s a decision that boils down to your mental attitude.
This doesn’t mean that difficult situations aren’t occurring or that we don’t go to “pollyanna mode” to get through it. It’s about being aware of our thoughts, evaluating our thinking, and looking for practical solutions and potentials by observing what’s happening. This implies that we take careful care of our own well-being. This isn’t always easy, but crucial (not just for you but also for your work and the people you manage.)
As the leader of your organization, you set the guidelines. It doesn’t matter the formal “role” in leadership is everyone within the company is able and able to be a leader. This means that whether you’re an executive or a junior leader and reading this article, be aware that your actions and mentality are creating the culture. (Think of the implications that this has for you. Don’t wait for others to set the stage but take complete responsibility, now, and setting the standard by modeling the way to lead as well as “being the change you want to see.”) Your outlook, attitude, and attitude are your most valuable assets, and they’re infectious. There’s an opportunity to make it happen. This is an opportunity to be more efficient, more streamlined, and refined than ever before. It’s an opportunity to connect with that sense of purpose and vision and the people. It’s a chance to make the ideal environment – both from the inside, out, and at work as well as at home. Yes, it’s going to take dedication, perseverance, and effort – obviously. But here’s the point -It starts now in your head and in your heart within the center of your “being” – and with your mental attitude. The change begins internally before it manifests externally.
How do I accomplish this?
Here are some suggestions to stay active, “on your edge,” and your mindset. Choose those one(s) which resonate with you and implement to implement them. I ask you to start this right now while you read. Do not read-only to contemplate it (thinking you’ll return). I challenge you to make an effort to write some words on paper (post-it is acceptable) as well as commit yourself to do one thing that can help you with this issue.
1. Extreme self-care.
To be your best self and stay on your most cutting-edge and be able to think clearly, what do you require? What self-care practices would you like to participate in in order to build yourself to be the best change agent that you can be? What can you do to increase your stamina, energy, and vitality? What boundaries would you like to set? What are the practices you would like to take part in? It’s something you decide on for yourself. I’m able to offer suggestions, but the most important thing is that it works for you and that you are comfortable doing it. Make a commitment to some form of self-care today. Today is your plan for what you are going to do to pamper yourself with extra care? Body, mind, and soul? It could be a pledge to healthy eating, exercise, or making a list of the 25 things you love to do (and following up with at least two of them each day) and bodywork dancing, facial care, and empty space weekend getaway or a trip to the spa, etc. Whatever you like and your needs, you must make self-care your top priority and bring it up to the forefront so that you, your business, and those around you will all benefit. )
2. Keep your mind sharp.
LEARN. Don’t be tempted to be secluded or sit around. Get involved and learn everything you can. Improve your skills, become stronger and more conscious. Examine your beliefs and mindset (see the following article.) You don’t need to invest an enormous amount of money to get started – purchase the book, spend the time in the afternoon to consider the big questions, attend an online class, consult with a mentor, buy an online self-study program. Do it as an individual, or work as a group. But do it.
3. Be thankful.
What is it that you have in your current life which you are grateful for? What’s going on in your company or with your team or with your spouse, kids? Did you shower today? Work out? Have a delicious meal? Do you run a business that you are passionate about? Clients? Record 5 things every day that you’re grateful for. Feel the gratitude, then express the gratitude, and write it down. For me, gratitude is the most rapid mental shift I’ve ever experienced (that or a major tragedy or loss, and I’m a big fan of gratitude on any given day!)
4. Acknowledge.
It’s like a cousin to gratitude. What’s your team’s going through currently? What is their approach to presenting? What kind of person is it that they are “being” in the face of challenges and unknowable outcomes? What can you do to be more supportive of them?
5. Plan it out.
Nothing brings more clarity and sigh relief than making plans. Whatever your situation, What’s your strategy? It doesn’t need to be perfect – just write down your next steps, then get in the action, and stay alert to know when you’ll need to take a turn or change gears.
6. Mission & Vision.
Why do you want to be operating? What are the reasons your company exists? What impact do you hope to create? What’s your overall goal? Do you remember? Do you have a memory? Are you clear about what you want to accomplish? Together, as a team? What are the shared values that will lead you there? There is no need to have multiple visions in different aspects of your lives; however, if you do not have at least one – it’s likely to be challenging to reach that goal. A vision, mission, and values that are shared can help you through the tough times (and make it more enjoyable during the process, which I think is a great thing.)
7. Join your team.
Be open about the issues. Let it be known. Invite them to join in the discussion. Be honest (be aware and responsible for the impact you make in this instance.) Think of ideas for solutions. Assign them the responsibility of creating solutions that can assist you in overcoming challenges in a team.
8. Build yourself and your staff Now.
It’s the right opportunity to use some of the time you have in your schedule and to make time to grow the employees of your company. This may sound counterintuitive, but it could help you build a more substantial base to ensure that when things get tougher or, new challenges come up, then you’re prepared to face them. There are two approaches I’ve come up with 1.) Develop them while you have energy, time and bandwidth.) Provide them with something to work on which will help them advance in the long term and assist them in becoming better salespeople, leaders, humans, designers, communicators, etc. Whatever your situation, provide the tools as well as the resources to develop their skills. It will not only help them feel valued and respected and appreciated, but it will improve your own bottom line. 3.) It’s a perfect moment to encourage individuals to become more proactive and improve their own. It encourages people to become more effective in working with one and with another. They are able to communicate with a shared desire to take a step towards a higher area. If morale is at risk of taking an extreme dip, providing individuals with the tools as well as the resources needed to be better themselves will improve their morale and lead to greater personal responsibility for the company’s success. BTW that, you don’t need to go it alone, and it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
9. Make the most of your downtime.
What are the things you’ve always wanted to try, but you’ve never had enough time? This is the perfect time to complete these things. Be aware if you are resisting this one. Note it. What are you really resisting?
10. Do you need a break?
A little space, some time to get your mind clear and focused? Go.
Here are ten things that you could begin doing today to aid you in getting through this downturn and face the challenges that come with running your work and life calmer, efficient and productive manner. There is the need to act to establish the foundation and make it tangible – but in reality, everything is rooted in the mindset of finding opportunities to make progress.
Now is the time to make it concrete:
1. Choose one, two, or three. What do you intend on doing? Yourself, your business, and your team?
2. Find out what’s needed to happen in the next step and when. (“Next three actions” is always significant!)
3. What assistance will you require? (Accountability? A buddy? An instructor?) Who do you need to talk to? How do you wish you to feel accountable?
4. What effect do you INTEND having this commitment impact? (THIS IS SO IMPORTANT.)
5. How do you know if that you’re achieving your goal?
