There’s a quote that I’ve been carrying around on my Ipod as a screen saver that is very fitting “If you want the Rainbow, you gotta put up with the Rain” (unknown).
I’m not going to get into who cliché that sounds, but if you truly want to get positive and turn things around it starts with attitude. It starts with how you want your outlook to be at the end of the day. This means that we have to start off the day on the right foot. When I first wake up I am the last person you want to meet early in the morning. People that know me know this and generally steer clear until I have fully awakened. This is a trait that I fully own and recognize about myself. I don’t do mornings. So when I make life choices the fact that I don’t do mornings very well factor in to my everyday routine. Example: My first year in college attempted to take AM courses so I could have the rest of the evening to work and play....yeah… let’s just say the 4.0. GPA I had in high school did not carry over. But any and all of the following semesters if there was the possibility I made sure to not take classes before noon. If I did have a class before then I made sure to only take one at a time.
For my naysayers that are thinking “In the working world that’s not how it goes…” To that I have to say when there’s a will there’s a way! When looking into your career or job opportunities be sure to factor in you personal time restrictions. Also create your personal wins/prizes, trust me the help the day seem a little bit brighter. Whether it be a snack, a smile, a date, or simply that nap that you need.
For example, I currently work at an airport. My shift can start anywhere between 4am to 6am. I use the early mornings to my advantage, I’m too tired to drive (nor is it safe for me to drive when I’m not fully operating) I take public transportation.
My win:
• I saved tons of money from not buying gas. *Sighing with relief*
• I sit back while the bus cruises on the shoulder during rush while cars are at a stand still. *Snickering to self*
• I don’t have to worry about getting a parking spot and possibly running late. *Smiling and ready to get the day started*
When I am all clocked in and ready to work I look forward to meeting the many clients I get to interact with and know that lunch isn’t too far off. I like to bring my own lunch and every once in awhile I’ll go grab a meal. Again, personal win for the day. One of my coworkers has a Facebook personal win. She updates her status between clients and gossips with other leads on floor. Another coworker of mine loves to talk. He fills his empty lulls with charming everyone within 7ft. of his station. One of my favorite co-workers makes it her mission to hold off seeing our various supervisors. Each day of the week when she has time she stops by my station and hums the mission impossible theme and gives me updates on how many times she’s evaded being seen by our sups and some silly situation our clients tend to create. (In case you are wondering the record she holds for evading our sups for face and phone contact is four hours and 20 minutes.)
It comes down to the attitude you carry with you during the day. Try to start off your morning right. Create mental note or a list of personal wins that you can look forward to. Hold on to your personal wins and create your own rainbows.
