Tough Days

As easy as we try to make our work look, sometimes for reasons outside of our control, the simplest of tasks end up becoming a real strain. Maybe we are dehydrated, which leads to a headache. Perhaps the abilities of thought and reason figured it was a good day to go surfing and left you stuck back at work with the daily grind. For whatever the reason, please remember that this happens to everyone. Even mean old master sergeants.

Here are a few ideas that I hope will keep you moving when these days hit. Remember it’s not just you, it’s just your day to go through this. Even at our worst, there are a few things we can do to make the situation better.  And, with a little perseverance, we can possibly do well enough to work ourselves out of the hole we are stuck in.  I know, I have been there.

Work from the inside out. Physically and mentally first. If you are not physically okay, it will just drag the rest of you down. The same is true for your mental condition. Take a quick stock of yourself and your needs.

Stay hydrated because lack of fluids will just make everything worse. Don’t overflow your system, just drink what you need. Lack of fluids will not only drain your energy level; it will also give you a headache and make it hard to think.

Make sure you have eaten something for energy. We are not talking a four-course meal here, just something was some protein and carbs to give you a little fuel to run on. Please remember, if adverse conditions persist, be sure to talk to medical professionals as soon as possible.

Often, we have problems because of something that is bothering us. And, things are always worse when you try to keep them bottled up and don’t share your worries with someone. We used to be able to talk to others more frequently. Now, we are more and more stuck in our own little worlds. Quite often, just talking with someone you trust can take what feels like Mount Everest and reduce it to the size of a molehill. And your friend may have a good idea or two.

Even if you’re not your best, work at doing what you think is right. Make sure you request and receive input from others who have critical roles in what you are working on. You don’t have to tell them that your brain is trying to be elsewhere enjoying surf and sand. Just let them know that you wanted to make sure your work reflected a team effort. Others appreciate being included in the efforts of the team.

If this turns out to be more than just an occasional thing, consulting with a professional is usually the best course of action. And if all else fails, maybe that day at the beach in the surf and sand was what was really needed.

Thank you for being with me today. I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof