Some days it seems like it’s time to click the power button and restart.
Like a computer that didn’t boot up properly the first time, we need to be able to shut it down. Then work on a proper reboot of the day.
The problem is – if we’ve not figured out how to reboot ourselves, we’ll keep getting the same errors once we turn things back on.
How do you reboot your day?
If you’ve not figured it out for yourself, here are a few things that work for me (at least most of the time):
1. get up and walk – I find that physically moving my body helps me change my mind
2. read something motivational – nothing heavy, something light like quotes, quick blog posts by people who I find uplifting, etc.
3. add happy music – I love music, and I know that something with a danceable beat will make me bop in my seat.
When it works!
Many of what could have turned into a bad day, are ok if not steller after a reboot.
One tip is to continue to monitor your attitude and energy levels throughout the day – perhaps using other techniques to keep yourself going.
When it doesn’t work 🙁
There are some days that you’ll still be dragging – energy depleted or attitude misaligned, unfortunately sometimes BOTH.
Those are the days that need rescheduling. Look at all the meetings you have and “to dos” to be done.
The meetings and tasks that will require you to be your best self, need to be moved. If you can’t reschedule ONE, that doesn’t mean you can’t move the others. Which will save what energy and brain power you have for that meeting.
Complete Overhaul
I will not lie, sometimes it takes a complete overhaul to bring you back to your best self.
Which is actually why I picked the Independence Day holiday week in the US to post this. If you’re lucky enough to have a 3-day weekend already scheduled, I’ll suggest you use an out of office message like my friend Colleen Stanley’s
“I am out of the office for the 4th of July holiday. I will not be checking any device that dings or blings or checking to see if anyone “liked” me.
I will be back in the office on Monday, July 6th and look forward to connecting with you at that time.
Happy Birthday America!”
Safety Tip: if you have a boss (or customers) who REQUIRES or EXPECTS instant response regardless – you need to prewarn them that you are really NOT available.
Here is one way “Bob, I know you typically expect answers quickly, which is why I’m letting you know I’m completely unavailable until (day & time) – I will not have access to my phone or email starting (when you’re leaving work).”
THEN keep your promise to yourself – don’t log in, turn off your phone, unplug and decompress. Allow yourself to recharge, restart, reboot.
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