Bad Day Strategies
Some days are easy and we have energy and everything seems to flow. It feels like everything is downhill. Everything comes easily on those days. And then there are days where the reverse is true. It feels like we’re fighting an uphill battle. It happens. There are days like that.
Many people think you can be successful by working only on the days when you feel great and everything falls into place. Not true.
You find yourself in the middle of a Bad Day.
Even the most successful people get tested. You will have tough days. Maybe you’re getting sick. Or you’re tired. Or simply burned out. Or angry. Or you’re making progress, but it’s not happening fast enough … and someone cut you off in traffic, the computer crashes, or you have a fight with your (husband/boyfriend/ wife/ girlfriend), your boss is in a mood … the real life stuff.
We need some bad day strategies … and fast.
So, what is our strategy?
1. Assess the situation:
Stop and take stock of what’s actually bothering you. Are you sick? Angry? Hungry? Lonely? Tired,? Frustrated? What’s really going on? Be honest and figure out exactly what the problem is.
2. Is it something you can control?
Worrying about things we can’t control is a waste. It’s a waste of our precious time and energy. Let go of the things that are out of your control. It takes practice. Remember, you control your attitude. Don’t agree to have a bad day because of your boss, the traffic, or the computer problems. Own your attitude. Be in control of your attitude. You always have a choice.
3. Do the most productive thing right now.
“What is the most productive thing I can do Right NOW?” Sometimes the most productive thing you can accomplish is to get organized: figure out what you really want to finish this week, which items are most important to you that would make you feel great if you could get them done. There are a multitude of tasks that we all have to do that require little physical or mental energy. Getting organized, expense reports, cleaning your desk, to do lists, paying bills, etc… Do the most productive thing right now.
If you’re sick, then running 10 miles at the gym after work may not be the most productive thing you can do. Taking care of yourself, getting some sleep, and recovering is the most productive thing you can do. If you’re frustrated then taking stock of all the positive steps you’ve been taking towards achieving your goals is what you need to do. Taking inventory of your positive actions reminds you that you’re making progress. You’re not there yet, but you are on your way.
4. Focus on what you can control.
There are only so many things we can control. Focus on what you can control. You can’t control the traffic. You can’t control the computer crashing. You can’t control your boss’ mood. Or a fight you had this morning. You control your attitude. Sometimes being optimistic is tough. Bad days are real. However, there is no better feeling than making progress on a tough day. Focus on what you can control and do the most productive thing right now. Find a way to keep making progress on the hard days.
5. Close the day well.
You don’t have to pretend that the day was wonderful, but it’s not necessary to convince yourself that it was a disaster, either. You worked hard and did the most productive things. Give yourself a break. “Today was ok. I handled everything well. I feel good. Tomorrow will be better.”
We are all conditioned to want more. We want results Now. We want the beach house, the new car, the great physique … And we want it now. Feel good about progress. It’s critical to acknowledge all the steps you’re taking in the right direction. Handling the challenging days is important. Many people think you can be successful by working only on the days when you feel great and everything falls into place.
Keep going especially on the challenging days. Little by little.
Little by little … becomes a lot.
Keep Going
