Welcome to the office. It's Friday. And though weekend fun is impending, many of us still have a good 8 hours left to tackle the challenges that often accompany our work days.
How do you handle setbacks? Think back on the last time something at the office didn't exactly go your way. Did you become quiet? Or did you get angry? Did you yell at someone? Or just become frustrated, smart aleck, or ______? (fill in the blank). And possibly even more important, if we asked those who work with you about your reaction, how would they answer?
When people encounter me hiking a new woodsy trail, or exploring a clear mountain lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, or jumping off a cliff into the cold waters of Clear Creek, there's no doubt that they pick up on the infectious joy that I'm feeling. It's easy in that environment--the outdoors is my happy place. But what about at the office when faced with difficult people, budget challenges or our favorite, "uncooperative technology"? Chris Myers, in his excellent article on choosing joy (Finding Joy: The Case for Unrelenting Positivity) says this: "It is our choice to be happy and positive in the face of challenges. Positivity and joy are contagious and can quickly shape the very fabric of your reality."
Having the ability to choose realistic optimism in the face of challenges is a competency of social and emotional intelligence. The fact that we can choose our reaction gives us the power to carve out a day that is positive and productive no matter what difficult situations rear their ugly head.
It's your Friday. Make it a good one.
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