Fresh Starts in the Workplace

FreshStarts In The Workplace

By Michelle Vandepol; Author of Mother Mexico.

Whether it’s opening a home based business, moving to telecommuting, or getting a new responsibility at work, starting fresh has the added kick to make our day to day lives truly better. Tackling even a small shift in the usual, whether it is workplace or self motivated, gives us the tools to do it again when necessary. On an immediate note, it breathes new life into the workday.

Having a new goal is motivating. Getting ourselves out of the same old, same old rut is potentially the impetus that leads to bigger change. Thinking outside the box also lets us have more of having it all. There may be a way to have your cake and eat it too that is sitting right under your nose. For example, starting and finishing work earlier may allow you to get away without after school care for the kids or give you time to ease into a self employment option at night.

Expanding your job description gives you more job stability. Even if you don’t think your workplace will downsize, it still is a good idea to learn new tasks. It enables you to apply for a wider variety of promotions and to have a larger group of co-workers to trade work favors with.

Fresh starts give us a little extra when we are in danger of burning out. Too much work isn’t usually the cause of burnout. It’s the draining emotional stuff that comes with it. Trying something new will give you confidence. If you have flexibility in how you organize your work day, try tweaking your schedule a bit to put your least favorite task first, before your morning coffee even cools down. You will probably be surprised how much more productive you are all day because of it. (You can chalk that up to getting rid of the procrastination burden delaying unlikable tasks results in.)

Sometimes new ventures take more time at first so take stock of your priorities. You will be more easily able to tell what is going to have to be cut out or postponed in this time period. It won’t be busier forever. Pace yourself and stay non-stressed by separating internal and external pressures. And then separate essential from non-essential. A list might be helpful here.

For example, internal pressures are those you put on yourself. Your production drive, your fear of job insecurity or failure, and wanting to hit the next sales level, are all good examples. Analyze them to see which is fact and which is fiction.

External pressures are your work deadlines, looming bills that could use extra commissions to cover, co-workers who pressure you to take on their responsibilities or get together with them socially and the like. Non essential ones are the latter, unless you get the sense that by doing the extra job you will be recognized by management and then you can determine if you have the time and resources to do that.

Among the non-essentials to cut if you haven’t already done so — save social stuff for your family and friends. Very little is accomplished by hitting happy hour or lunches out with your co-workers. Lunch with clients is arguable career investment time, but near to nothing is gained from hanging with the gang. Be pleasant, do your job, and get out of Dodge a bit after 5.

If your office is the one trying something new and it’s not going well, bite back irritation. When the workplace is busy and it seems like you have enough on your plate, it can be tough to muster up energy to try new stuff but your attitude now will pay back in dividends later. Do your best to streamline your responsibilities and if management’s ideas are truly not working, they will figure it out in time and you will have saved emotional energy by not overly concerning yourself about it.

Keep your notepad handy. Today could be the day something new will pop up and make your workday a little more interesting.