By LaShondra P. Manning, PhD, LPC-S, NCC - Assistant Professor of Counseling at Tarleton State University
We may still be in the midst of a hot summer, but kids are back in school, gas prices have declined, and vacations are ending. Now it’s time to R.E.S.E.T. at work. Keep reading for inspiration on how:
R stands for Reignite. Reignite YOUR Passion for YOUR job! Sometimes, we get stuck in the mundane routines of work. Take time now to reassess your effectiveness. What are you doing well? How can you improve? Utilize these questions to help redefine your passion for work.
E stands for Emotions. Be aware of YOUR emotions in every moment! Feeling motivated, inspired, and productive at work? Great! What contributes to these feelings and how can you maintain them? Feeling tired, uninspired, and overwhelmed at work? That’s normal, it happens to all of us. What can you do to feel better? As a first step, examine your SELF-CARE. Are you exercising, drinking water, and eating healthy? Are you meditating, enjoying nature, or praying? Are you having fun with loved ones? Unresolved conflicts with co-workers? Could it be that your emotions are signaling that you need counseling? Whatever you are feeling, don’t ignore it. Let your emotions guide you on how to best care for yourself.
S stands for Set Goals. Based upon everything you have read so far, what new goals can you set? The self-assessment questions above refer to work performance, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social health. Remember, goals are not meant to be set just on New Year’s Day. We are all constantly evolving and achieving goals is a progress. Reset and redefine your goals today.
E stands for Experience the Present Moment. Oftentimes, we are focused on the “woulda, shoulda, couldas” of work life. We focus on past mistakes, missed opportunities to express ourselves, missing quotas, etc. Learn from those mistakes and move on. You shouldn’t ruminate (constantly thinking about the past) because that is robbing you from enjoying the present. Learn from mistakes and move forward. There will be other opportunities to shine at work.
T stands for Time Management. Are you fashionably late to meetings or completing tasks at the last minute? How can you benefit from a “paper planner” or utilizing a “planner app” on your electronic devices? Schedule ahead of time and categorize your priorities in different colors.
Get inspired to R.E.S.E.T. your work goals and habits as we fall into a new season!