In the 1993 movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays a cynical weatherman who is forced to relive the worst day of his life until he learns to be a better person. Every day the alarm goes off and he goes to work, doing the same thing, in the same way, over and over again, experiencing more and more frustration.
Sound familiar? Life in the business world can be a lot like that; especially on gray days in February. We go to work every day, traveling in the same old rut, doing the same thing, in the same way – and often blaming someone else for our frustration. But it doesnt have to be that way.
There are hundreds of books and articles on self-help, coping and attitude adjustment. Helpful authors offer a multitude of ideas (some good, some bordering on the ridiculous), but most of us dont have the time to read about them, much less try them. Work problems usually cant be solved by simply taking a hot bath or going back to the gym. Nevertheless, here are a few suggestions which might be helpful:
1. Get off the idea that your work problems are someone elses fault. So what if they are? Are they going to fix them for you? Never – the solution is up to you, so get to work and stop groaning.
2. Make an effort to change the fundamental way you look at things. If you can do this, the things you look at will also begin to change. A positive attitude opens doors and attracts cooperation. People will notice; they like to associate with a person who has a sunny and affirmative outlook.
3. Find ways to build your self-esteem. Instead of worrying about some almost unattainable goal, conquer a series of smaller ones, moving progressively closer to that large one. Each achievement will build your confidence and make you stronger for the next one. Frustrations and setbacks will be useful learning experiences; successes will lead to more successes.
4. Vary your work routine. Going about your day in a different manner will make what you do more interesting. A boring, routine daily schedule can kill your spirit. With a fresh perspective, you may discover more effective solutions which, in turn, will increase your feeling of self-worth.
5. Talk to other people in your industry, attend an industry seminar, or read a management book. Adopt new ideas from them which might improve your own situation.
6. Change your approach to fresh opportunities. Your reaction might have been appropriate in the past but not suitable now. Some wise person said, The past is a prison for those who live in it. Author Jessamyn West goes further: Faithfulness to the past can be a kind of death above ground. Dont blindly accept old solutions just because they once worked.
7. Finally, make yourself indispensable to those around you. If you are the person people go to when they need quick action or a difficult problem solved, your work experience will be much more satisfying. In addition, demonstrated ability both inside and outside your normal work area will be noticed with appreciation and future reward.