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by Adria NieswandBetween corporate take-overs, mergers and downsizing, scores of people have had to face countless changes in the workplace. Some of these changes are good, and some are not so good. It's only natural to worry. Add to that the rumor mills running full speed ahead, and you can understand that we sometimes find ourselves worrying excessively and needlessly. You can drive yourself mad by listening to all the gossip! Don't be blown about by the winds of change.
To get through a rough time such as this, try to get as many of the facts as you can. Proverbs 24:3,4 says, "Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." Even though some of the information may be proprietary, your manager or the human resources department can help you to understand what's happening in the company, and where you stand.
Avoid the What-ifs
Try not to project about the future. This won't help and you could literally make yourself sick worrying about something that may never even take place. To illustrate this point, the following is a story told by Abraham Lincoln: "A man on foot, carrying a bundle, came to a running stream which he had to ford. He prepared by stripping off his clothes, adding them to his bundle, and tying all to the top of a stick, which he raised high above his head to keep dry during the crossing. He then fearlessly waded in and carefully made his way across the rippling stream and found it in no place above his ankles."
Take Control of What You Can
Instead of worrying about what might be, try focusing on what you can do to better yourself. For instance, try using a "sticky pad" as a "goal post." Write down three prime goals you'd like to accomplish. These could be professional as well as personal goals. Use short phrases such as: finish college, lose 10 pounds, save for vacation. Now do the same with three secondary goals, such as: learn new software, organize closet, take ceramics class.
Now get them in your face! Stick them to your bathroom mirror. You'll see them every day, and when you do, read them out loud each and every time you see them. This will help you to reinforce your goals in your mind. Keep this up until you act on them. Hopefully this will prompt you to think and act positively instead of dwelling on the negative.
Once you've accomplished a goal, take the note off of your bathroom mirror and place it victoriously on your bedroom mirror. This way, when you see your reflection, you'll also see your successes. What a great way to start the day! Instead of getting an ulcer, you're focusing on the things you CAN do.
Continue to Take Action!
Here are some more quick tips to help you stay at the top of your game:
- Always keep your resume up-to-date. You can get assistance doing this with an out placement firm. They will help you to refresh, reword and revise your resume.
- Get the right job for yourself. An outplacement firm or the counseling center of your local community college can help you find out what skills you need to get the job you really want.
- Check out what other people in your field are making. Maybe a job change will mean a bigger paycheck.
- Go back to school. Many businesses prefer to hire a person who not only has the technical skills, but the proven experience and dedication that an older employee can offer. Check into your company's policies. They may even foot the bill for your college degree.
It's easier said than done, but try not to be so distracted by the urgent that you forget what's really important. In his article, Tyranny of the Urgent, Charles E. Hummel states that by having a 30-hour day we still would not get everything done. We would see that we were working more and enjoying ourselves less. Some things we do seem so important at that particular time. However, they wind up eating away our precious time and energy. As time marches on we see how we pushed aside the important tasks for the urgent ones. Make certain you make time for what's really important. As Mr. Hummel says," We cannot admire the poise and beauty of this human life, and then ignore the things that made it."
Finally, be brave. Whatever your situation, try to avoid letting your fear dominate your actions. You may be petrified to think you might lose your job. It's normal to be anxious about such things. Just don't mistake your feelings for facts. Remember, although you cannot change everything, there are steps you can take. "Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use."-- Ruth Gordon
~ Adria Nieswand, a mother of four and full-time student, is working toward getting her degree in journalism. She served as editor and publisher for the Admin's Assistant, a newsletter for Administrative Assistants at AT&T Capital/Newcourt Credit Group. Her website is http://adriaj.tripod.com/ajnieswand.
