WHEN we have been in a workplace for too long, we are bound to lose our passion, lack creativity, feel low or depressed.
When such feelings arise, what should we do? Whine on and on to those close to us? Continue to be in the doldrums and become withdrawn?
Perhaps a better approach would be to reflect on the situation and ourselves. From there we should seek a solution to make the necessary changes to boost our spirits and performance.
Here are some suggestions on how to get out of this low:
Breakthrough
We are creatures of habit and when we have gotten used to the work, we will form a certain pattern of dealing with things. On the one hand, this is the surest way to get things done successfully. However, when we keep sticking to the old and tried method, it is easy to become stagnant. It becomes hard to think of new or better ways to do or improve things. This is unhealthy as it might hinder the team from moving forward.
In order to ensure we exercise our brains and unleash creativity, we should never stop looking for new ways or resources or environments.
Not only will the team as a whole benefit from the breakthrough, but we will find ourselves continuously growing and gaining new knowledge or skills. In that way, work will never be monotonous and dull but will always be interesting and exciting.
Have a stand
What this means is to have an independent mind that can discern and judge according to the situation and not to just follow others blindly. No one should give up their principles or stand just to please the boss or colleagues. It is a big no-no to ignore the truth and justice just for the sake of pleasing others.
Some individuals choose to be silent, offer no opinion or stand by those who are unjust to keep themselves out of trouble. However, the good days will only last for a short while for sooner or later, some injustice will somehow fall on them one day. They will then suffer the consequences of their indifference to injustice.
Seeking excellence
When we do any work half-heartedly with no intention of delivering good quality, it is obvious that we have already lost our passion and zeal for the work.
Successful individuals are those who keep trying and persevering through a lot of hardships. They never stop seeking better solutions or ideas on how to get things done. It is only through perseverance, an uncompromising attitude and boldness that we are able to achieve excellence in our work.
Ability to forgive
In our dealings with others, whether it be our clients, colleagues or vendors, there are bound to be some unpleasant incidents. Most of the time, we do not have the opportunity to resolve the issues in a constructive manner.
Hence, most individuals will store these unpleasant issues in their hearts. As the days go by, the unpleasantness will build up and our working life will be unhappy.
If we do not choose to forgive those who have clashes with us, we will find it hard to let go of the unpleasant incidents. Sooner or later, we will let these unhappy incidents drown or drain us.
The most constructive way of dealing with this kind of unpleasantness is to choose to forgive the person involved and forget about the incidents.
It is definitely not easy to forgive others, especially when they do not make any effort to make things better. Yet, if we do not forgive, we will carry the excess baggage with us and slowly drag ourselves down.
It takes great courage to forgive. These courageous individuals will make more friends in the end through their act of forgiveness. In the long run, they will definitely benefit from being forgiving.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.