Publisher's Note
That Was Easy!
Now that the kids are back in school and a routine is being established, there’s not much time to enjoy the calm before rushing into holiday frenzy. Our mindset changes not just in our personal lives, but at work as well this time of year. There’s usually a boost of productivity needed to meet end-of-year goals. We may have slacked off a bit, knowing that in the fall, we’d buckle down and really get focused. All goes as planned when our own little worlds are stable; when significant others, parents, kids, careers—not to mention ourselves—are all healthy. Allow one area of our lives an unexpected jolt, and it’s hard to keep the other areas on an even keel, as they say.
Looking at the big picture and keeping a positive attitude when an unexpected event happens is challenging both personally and professionally. Even planning for a happy event such as a wedding, the birth of a baby, a trip, etc., can upset the delicate balance we try to maintain between work and family. As we all know, the lines have become blurred between work and family time, and the quality and amount of time we give each can create feelings of guilt or satisfaction. And time for ourselves? Only if we make it a priority.
A major change at work or in professional responsibilities, a medical diagnosis of a chronic condition, or the loss of a friend or family member could all happen unrepentantly. How we cope with the trauma of life is different for each of us. Remember how you reacted to the events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina? Shock, despair, and terror, followed by thanksgiving and motivation to protect and plan are just some of the emotions I felt. Of course, those are major events, but everyday irritations, disappointments, and demands also can cause us to feel overwhelmed.
For my high-stress times, the ability to focus on work is a lifesaver. Career experts advise that planning, organizing, and compartmentalizing are key rules to staying focused on the task at hand. Make a list, prioritize, eliminate clutter, and make a schedule, then force yourself to give complete attention to your goals. Satisfaction comes upon completion of even the slightest task when you’re stressed. I’ve noticed I can cope with confusion and clutter at work if my home is clean and calm, and it also works the other way around.
I’ve encouraged my children to apply those principles whenever they feel overwhelmed at school, work, or with any project. As my daughter and I looked at the boxes and piles of clothes to be unpacked and organized in her tiny one-bedroom apartment last month, we developed a plan. A quick trip to the local Staples store brought a smile to my face: we purchased a fun, talking button that shouts the advertising slogan, “That was easy,” along with the file cabinet on our list. During the next couple of days, we pressed the button repeatedly when even the slightest project was completed. We kept focused on the task of getting her settled in prior to her classes beginning, and we laughed at the absurdity that assembling shelves and hanging curtains was “easy” for us.
Returning to my back-to-work routine, I’ve written my plan. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’m going to get focused and organized. Now, that was easy! tpw
Looking at the big picture and keeping a positive attitude when an unexpected event happens is challenging both personally and professionally. Even planning for a happy event such as a wedding, the birth of a baby, a trip, etc., can upset the delicate balance we try to maintain between work and family. As we all know, the lines have become blurred between work and family time, and the quality and amount of time we give each can create feelings of guilt or satisfaction. And time for ourselves? Only if we make it a priority.
A major change at work or in professional responsibilities, a medical diagnosis of a chronic condition, or the loss of a friend or family member could all happen unrepentantly. How we cope with the trauma of life is different for each of us. Remember how you reacted to the events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina? Shock, despair, and terror, followed by thanksgiving and motivation to protect and plan are just some of the emotions I felt. Of course, those are major events, but everyday irritations, disappointments, and demands also can cause us to feel overwhelmed.
For my high-stress times, the ability to focus on work is a lifesaver. Career experts advise that planning, organizing, and compartmentalizing are key rules to staying focused on the task at hand. Make a list, prioritize, eliminate clutter, and make a schedule, then force yourself to give complete attention to your goals. Satisfaction comes upon completion of even the slightest task when you’re stressed. I’ve noticed I can cope with confusion and clutter at work if my home is clean and calm, and it also works the other way around.
I’ve encouraged my children to apply those principles whenever they feel overwhelmed at school, work, or with any project. As my daughter and I looked at the boxes and piles of clothes to be unpacked and organized in her tiny one-bedroom apartment last month, we developed a plan. A quick trip to the local Staples store brought a smile to my face: we purchased a fun, talking button that shouts the advertising slogan, “That was easy,” along with the file cabinet on our list. During the next couple of days, we pressed the button repeatedly when even the slightest project was completed. We kept focused on the task of getting her settled in prior to her classes beginning, and we laughed at the absurdity that assembling shelves and hanging curtains was “easy” for us.
Returning to my back-to-work routine, I’ve written my plan. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I’m going to get focused and organized. Now, that was easy! tpw