ARoundTuit Organizing & Productivity

It’s in the most critical situations when the Elements of Productivity are the most apparent.   Mood, wellness and motivation are the first to jump ship.  Worse, negativity we let in during these hard times spreads to other projects and people, sucking in everything in its path.  And its all downhill from there.

When you can no longer control what happens, you can still control how you react to it.  In the very worst of situations, your attitude may well be the only thing you can control.

Here are some actions you can take to beat negativity and stay productive during the toughest of times:

• Stay in charge

If you won’t do it for yourself, consider that you owe it to all the people who support you, and who you support. When you’re busy being in charge and getting things done, you’ll create a better outcome for everyone.

• Avoid avoidance

It takes courage and strength you may have to look hard for, but addressing the situation in the face is your best strategy for coming out ahead.

Avoidance behaviors may disguise themselves as relaxation, procrastination or even denial.  Focusing on un-related projects or favors and not staying busy at work are perfectly fine when the house isn’t on fire.

Be aware that depression is not an avoidance behavior, and you should consult a physician of you feel like you can’t function because you are depressed.

• Look forward, not down

We see it happen all the time  - business people, athletes, politicians weather dismal public failures.  Turn around a few months later and there they are, back in action.   These are people who know that failing in one area of your life does not make you a complete failure.

The only way out of a deep, dark hole is up.

• Watch your mouth – and your ears

Reinforcing the negativity already present with failure is like lighting a long fuse.  The things we say and do affect how we feel, and how others feel about us.  Ultimately, this can lead not only to making a bad situation worse, but in losing your team’s support.

In the same way, protect yourself from nay-sayers and bad news, even if they are right.  Dwelling on the negative is unproductive and unattractive.  You owe it to yourself and those around you to phrase facts in a positive or neutral manner, and to avoid making and participating in negative conversation.

• Look to hindsight constructively

We can choose how we use hindsight.  One of the blessings of failure is that we get a clear picture of what was lacking for success.  Whether you plan to try again or redirect your talent elsewhere, you now know what you can build on to help ensure success next time.

• Take care of yourself

Healthy diet, exercise and sleep habits are absolutely crucial to attention, learning and memory functions.   There’s a second dimension to taking care of yourself, though.  These habits are a sign that a person values his or her well-being.  Maintaining and expressing a healthy self-image is one of the best things you can do to survive and stay productive in the face of failure.

ARoundTuit offers individual and Corporate Services designed to help companies stay productive through hard times.  This can be as part of your company’s Training & Development, Employee Assistance or Wellness program. Just contact me for more information!