New Year Blues
And why it need not be! Listen here.
It’s that time of the year…A New Year and only in its absolute infancy. The joys and excitement of both Christmas & New Year long gone yet so recent.
New Year resolutions often falsely set…Expectations & the pressures of conforming to the norm coming together. Creating personal goals that are last minute whims. Of course, for some those goals have been well thought through and with realism…While at the same time the return to work is upon us!
So, what do we make of all of this?
Whenever we reach a peak of emotion, the sudden return to normality creates an emptiness. The workplace then becomes part of that void. Double whammy!
Ironically, when unemployment is at its peak, street gangs grow. Even though the very same people may not always be huge workplace advocates, they have a feeling of identity and belonging.
How we view the world, our perceptions of reality, is how we live our lives. Smiling is proven to release endorphins into our systems and reduce stress. Scientific experiments also show how it changes our moods and thinking for the better. It may come as no surprise then, that frowning has the reverse effect.
While most of us will be part of a system of meritocracy or take instructions from others, we can all make the workplace a great place to be. Management needs to create a culture of support… Aligning values & vision to allow for everyone to feel that they can contribute in a meaningful way and with shared outcomes. An empowered workplace where individuals believe that they can make a difference.
A framework is enabled and we need to make positive contributions that allow us to thrive & grow. Take an interest in all your colleagues. Look at your own role and reflect on how you can make a difference. Consider the things that you both enjoy and are good at…Do them even better! Areas that you want to develop, consider what you need to do and speak with your Manager. Be proud of all that you achieve. Celebrate your own successes…There will be many. Don’t beat yourself up about the occasional blip.
Work out what you personally want to achieve…The help that you might need. The most valued employees are those that almost self-manage. You may even find that amongst your colleagues that you can create some fun based challenges. Don’t be afraid to speak with your Manager about your ideas.
Making the workplace a great place to be, is each of our roles. The fabric is already in place, we then add the feelings & emotions…In turn this determines the “Team Spirit” …The feel good factor that we all crave.
Thrive on your return to work…Make a difference and help to add some post-holiday sparkle!
“I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.” Oscar Wilde