As 2009 ends, we are unfortunately still seeing negative headlines and challenging economic news around the country and worldwide. There are a few resilient cracks in the economic armor, but all of us need continue looking inside ourselves for those important moments we need to stay strong.
That’s why we need to seize “our” day and remember the strengths and values we bring to the table every day – with our families, friends, co-workers and especially ourselves.
Please think through how you can seize positively through your day. Here is an example how I have successfully traversed though challenges.
When I was younger, I wanted to be in control of everything in my life and seize every moment of the day. This sounds great, doesn’t it? It is only natural we want to be in control of all aspects of our lives. I found, though, that I was expending so much energy trying to be in total control that I was losing my resilience edge.
There were just some things I could not control totally at work, home and life in general that were reducing my resilience on things I could ultimately control, which included my attitude and how I relate to people.
I thought, for example, I was in control of my work life. I was doing great, with fantastic reviews, an “essential” tag placed on me, terrific compensation and much admiration of my peers throughout the company. There, of course, was the awful recent downturn in the economy, but I thought my exemplary performance would keep me in control of my fate. Man, did I have a lot to learn…
Within a matter of a few months of being “essential,” I became expendable no matter how much effort expended and control I thought I had. With no fault of the company, it had to cut to the bone including me. The lesson for me was there are some things – great and small – out of a person’s total control.
I hoped this would be my last company I would ever work for. What I found is you can never feel totally secure even with an A+ work performance record.
I have moved on to have success in many other areas, including resiliency speaking, presentations and training. I have adapted my control definition, and stayed in personal control of being strong, nimble and resilient. That is, continuing to seize every moment of the day in a slightly more realistic way.
Being nimble, adaptable – and more realistic - in all circumstances will allow you to stay resilient, in control and seize your day. Please think of one aspect of your life you feel vulnerable. Then, ponder how you would adapt and seize the day if an unexpected challenge happened to you. This will help you truly stay on top of being career and life resilient as we move into a new (and hopefully) more terrific decade!
Hopefdully your holiday season and New Year have been magical. Take care ’til next week.
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