Professionalism Always

No matter what job classification you are in, you are a professional. What determines the meaning professional? The significance of your position is as crucial as any other in your organization. Free basic attainable skills are the largest component in being a professional. One of the critical components to professionalism is ATTITUDE.

A positive attitude is crucial to success, personally or professionally. How you perceive the situation determines how you experience it. It’s easy to fall into negative ways of seeing difficult experiences. But seeing crises as opportunities will expand your options. A positive attitude means more than just dropping positive things. It also means a positive lifestyle, an active day-by-day approach to your life. And it means balancing work, personal life, family, health, and time off for yourself. Try these skills for developing a positive attitude.

Develop a Positive Attitude

In addition to knowing the stress cycle and your own unique characteristics, a positive attitude is crucial to weathering change successfully. How you perceive the situation determines how you experience it. It’s easy to fall into negative ways of seeing difficult experiences. But seeing crises as opportunities will expand your options. A positive attitude means more than just dropping positive things. It also means a positive lifestyle, an active day-by-day approach to your life. And it means balancing work, personal life, family, health, and time off for yourself. Try these skills for developing a positive attitude.

Reach Out

When you're feeling low, you may be tempted to keep well-wishers at arms length. But asking for love, encouragement, honest and caring feedback, or just an understanding ear can help you get back on course, reach out to those who care about you, and who can help you see things as positively as possible.

Laugh

Humor is one of the best stress relievers going. Take the time to find the humor in your situation. Humor and worry don't mix. And research shows that laughing actually makes people healthier.

A Change of Scenery

Sometimes “getting a way from it all” is exactly the thing to do. It’s hard to take your problem so seriously when you change your perspective. Change your routine—if you work indoors, take a walk in the woods; if you work outdoors, do something indoors, like go to a museum or movie.

Love a Pet

An animal’s generous, unconditional love—and unworried, unhurried pace—can restore your calm and your sanity. Just taking a moment out to sit with your pet can remind you how good life is.

Live the Wellness Way

Taking good care of your health will help you handle stresses more successfully. Get exercise and enough rest, eat a balanced healthy diet, and you'll be ready for change.

Have a Good Talk with Yourself

We talk to ourselves all the time—usually critically. But negative self-talk just makes you feel worse. Instead of saying, “You sure blew that one,” try talking to yourself positively: “you learned that new step very well.” Notice all the little things that you do right. Make lists of your positive accomplishments, and post them in visible places.

Relax and Let Go

Successful coping depends on being able to relax and let everything go from time to time. The body needs to renew itself and recharge. You might try meditation, visualization, yoga, hot baths, listening to music, or simply sleep.

Some Dont's

Some activities do not reduce stress in the long run—in fact, they may make things worse. Don't abuse drugs, alcohol, or even coffee, cigarettes or food: they can drain your energy. Don't spend money on things you can't afford—that will drain your finances. Don't “burn out” job hunting or wait months to start looking. And don't rely on sympathy: use positive coping skills, which will pay you back in vitality and results.

If You're Stuck…Get Help

If, after trying all the skills suggested here, things still aren't working, don't give up. Depression is a common, reversible response to a big change. Many people seek out professional help at times like this. Look in your phonebook to find your local mental health association or community workshop on stress. Call your EAP, medical or personnel department, doctor, or clergy for help and information.

Steering Your Own Course

Change is a fact of life. You can't stop it, but you don't have to drown in it. Know yourself, learn specific coping skills to help you navigate, and develop a positive attitude. Then, no matter what’s changing at work or home, you can weather the storm and the fog, and put your feet confidently on shore.

by Terri Knox