When You’re Barely Treading Water

Think about the last time you were having an average (or not so good) day when a friend messaged you with good news. Do you remember how it transformed your day? These days, it seems we’re constantly bombarded with negative messages. In a world filled with negative communications — especially when you’re in a leadership position with lots of challenges on every front — it’s easy to doubt your own ability to succeed and you start to lose confidence in yourself.

A few decades ago, I was reading an article that indicated loss of hope as the number one cause of burnout. Being overworked was not number one. Did you know that’s still true? I think part of the reason it’s so is that good leaders are wired to see progress. It’s not the challenges that bother us; it’s spinning the wheels and seemingly going nowhere.

In that hard place, a whirlwind of negative (and even nihilistic) thoughts whisper. “Nothing I’m doing has any value and meaning. Why try???”

We’ve all hit the wall. So, what do you do about this situation?

Here are some ideas to consider:

Positive Input

• Become part of the “good news” community. Partner with others who will share the good things happening in their organizations.
  • Ask your coworkers (or employees) what’s going well in their jobs, in their department.
  • Ask other business owners to share something good happening in their business.
  • Remember: Positive input equals positive output for our daily attitudes and moods. Constant negative news can color the world gloomy.
• Surround yourself with positive, mature people. Continuous complaining from others can lead you down the path of the “woe is me” mindset. Make sure your support system is uplifting and not exhausting.

Positive Output

• Call the owner of a business from which you received outstanding service and thank them for such a good job.
• Take a few minutes to write positive testimonials.
• Mention some things employees are doing that are important to you and be specific. (Better yet, mention it to their significant others.)
• Ask an employee if they believe they are ready for more responsibility.

Take Action

• Join Rotary in your community.
• Participate in your Chamber of Commerce.
• Partner with a not-for-profit.
• Mentor someone who’d like to be in your shoes someday.
• Make a Blue Day List.

What is a Blue Day List? When you’re feeling blue, this is a list you have made ahead of time that just has things you can work on where you see physical progress being made. Sometimes something as simple as cleaning the kitchen. Your list may not be accomplishments. Maybe you are driven by interaction. Throw yourself a little party. You have to know yourself and what gets you excited to make this list.

One more thing: In the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 35 tells us to encourage the exhausted. Verse 3: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.”

We at Executive Advantage are thankful for you and your organization. We greatly appreciate the many services you provide the citizens of our community.

One of our main responsibilities is to come alongside and encourage owners, executive directors and top managers, especially in these difficult times.

If you’re exhausted, may we help? Contact Doris or Bob, the HR Experts, by filling out the information below.