Sounds kind of silly out of context, but those of you who work out know exactly what this means. When you're doing something tough at the gym like lifting weights, doing pushups, or striking a strange yoga pose, then it's kind of natural to hold your breath and stop breathing. If you're lucky, you have someone nearby who will remind you to breathe. And, if you do breathe, then the oxygen will flow through your body, your muscles, and your mind and you'll be able to perform better, think more clearly, and last longer.
It's funny how something so natural (actually, required!), such as breathing, gets completely forgotten when you're doing something hard!
This makes me think about what other otherwise-second-nature things we forget to do when things get tough at work and in our careers.
Let's make a list together- I'll start!
- Don't forget to breathe: This applies when you work out, but this applies to work too. If you're in a situation where you're getting nervous or emotional inside about something, then take a deep breath, regain your composure, and then find a way to approach it constructively.
- Be polite: When things get tough and you are working towards a tight deadline, the first thing to go might be your politeness. You don't intend to be mean, but others might perceive your actions that way. So, even when things get tough, remember the basics: Say Hello. Ask nicely. Say Please. Say Thank You. Smile. Share.
- Tell people where you're going: When you start getting on a roll or getting busy, your tendency might be to concentrate on the tasks at hand and forget to tell people where you are going, both physically and in your mind (your co-workers are not mind-readers!). At home, you probably tell people when you're going to the store, going on a trip, or going to work. Do this at work too! Tell people when you're going somewhere physically, and tell them what you did when you get back. And, tell people where you are going in your mind, for example, what you have planned for the meeting objectives and what you're shooting for in your career! (I forget this one all the time.)
- Express yourself: Say what you want. Say what you think. Say what you're worried about. Now, don't be the ultimate complainer and don't be such a doubting Tom that you bring everyone else down. Life's too short for living life that way, at work and at home! But you can be professional and let people know what your concerns are and find constructive ways to solve them.
- Call for help when you're hurt: When you physically get hurt, you probably yelp or make a face and you probably ask one or more trusted people what you should do about your injury. If you injury is serious enough, you probably even go to the hospital or see a doctor. This applies to work too. If you get hurt at work, find a trustworthy co-worker or boss, let them know what your injury is, and ask them for advice on what you should do.
- Tell people what you're thinking: Ask questions when you don't understand something. Speak up when you have an opinion. You probably do this with your friends and family. Do this at work too.
- Ask for directions when you're lost: Okay, maybe this is not second nature for everyone. But it does help to talk to people about your career and your goals, and to ask for directions. If you feel lost in your career, don't worry. I have a secret to share- everyone feels this way at times, even the most seemingly successful people you know, including your VPs and CEOs! It helps to talk to people because 1) it will actually make you think about what your career direction and goals are, 2) it will encourage the other person to share their insights with you from their perspective (maybe they will even share their own career direction and goals with you!), and 3) you won't be going through all this alone!
- Take trips: Every so often you get to the point where you need to take a break and you go on an outing or a trip. Maybe you go on a long vacation, maybe a weekend trip, maybe a day trip, or maybe just a couple hours out. You might be visiting somewhere new, trying out new foods, relaxing, or being adventurous. Afterwards, you're probably glad you took the time to take the trip. When you're at work, you should do the same. Take a trip and visit somewhere new, e.g., visit a different business unit, a different company, or talk to someone in a different job function. Just try to learn something new. This will be refreshing, and may give you new ideas and insights on how to do your own job better.
- Celebrate! In real life, you celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and you probably toast the little things. Do this at work, too. Celebrate your and your co-workers' accomplishments, however big or little. [Contributed by Brent Vallat.]
Let's flesh out this list together!
Do you find any of these tips helpful?
Do you agree or disagree with any of them?
Do you have suggestions for other tips?
What other otherwise-second-nature-things do we forget to do at work and in our careers?
I'd love to hear your ideas!
Tags:
career advice,
work tips,
breathe,
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