Everyone needs a strategy for when they have an awful day. A bad day could be caused by a traumatic event, having too much on your schedule, being blindsided by a new challenge, etc. When I have a bad day, I must first recognize it before my emotional capital is depleted. Once I realize that I am having a bad day, that I am stressed, and that I am using up my emotional capital, I put my plan into place.
Step One: Slow Down. Speeding up may help me accomplish more, but I will complete the tasks poorly.
Step Two: Identify one task I can do in my state of mind and get it done. Each time I do this, I get a win, and I feel a little better.
I repeat Step two until the stress has dissipated and my emotional capital is at “normal” levels.
This scenario happened to me recently. I was so stressed that I could not be there for my wife when she needed me. A few minutes later, I recognized that I was on a downward spiral of stress and started to slow down. I went to work and got some wins during the day, focusing on one thing at a time. By the time my wife and I connected again at dinner, I was in a better place. I first apologized and then listened to what was going on in her life. Without getting some wins, I would never have been able to be there for my wife and provide her with the support she needed. Not being there to support my loved ones would have made me feel worse than I already did. It shows that you must take care of yourself before you can take care of others.
What is your strategy?
Just Be Better
Stay Strong, Stay Healthy.
Everyday is an Interview 