Do you remember that line from James and the Giant Peach?
Recently I have been thinking about this quote.
Also the one by Mary Engelbreit: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you feel about it." Re-framing an issue can help us find solutions. And breaking a problem down into smaller chunks often helps us make the first step.
Another approach to this same idea is the serenity prayer:
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
That's where I am at today with my job. Admittedly, it is nether a problem, nor something I don't like! It is a blessing to me, and my 32 year old new radiography student self would be pleased and relieved to know that I did finish school, secure a good job, and do well.
But some things about it fall into the above categories, and in order to continue doing what I do, I find I need to change how I look at my job, and the way I approach my shifts. Because I would like to keep working in my field for another couple of years. So here's my framework:
*Stay busy and engaged with work at work. Avoid energy vampires who distract me. Limit engagement that is not directly related to work tasks. Avoid venting and gossip.
*Plan and prep foods on Friday for the meals I take with me, and give me variety and healthy choices, making me feel jazzed about eating them.
*Aim to look my best.
*Prioritize getting to bed early on Friday nights so I am rested and ready for success.
*Organize a Review and Reference manual I can keep at my desk, so that I can be more of an approachable resource for shift-related matters.
*Volunteer for meaningful tasks that help the department as a whole, not specific individuals. Avoid scrolling on my phone or computer in my downtime.
"Looking at it another way" means appreciating those things that make a job a worthwhile and meaningful part of my life, not something I am anxious to drop in favor of retirement. Either way, I need something positive to engage my time and energy, and I also may as well get paid for it!
Something of an epiphany, no?
Great goals.
ReplyDeleteI use prayer as a way to help my mind think things out.
If you don't believe in prayer, just think of it as a psychological path for you brain to think things out.
Hang it there. Sounds like you're doing great.
In conjunction with all of these things I can do for myself, I ask God to keep me strong. I believe I am being made strong, and pointed in the right direction. (:
DeleteYou certainly have a good plan, my friend! And with God at the helm, you are in good hands!
ReplyDeleteThank you - I expect the best!
DeleteWith your great attitude you're bound to make it work!!!
ReplyDeleteI for sure will (:
DeleteThis is such a great plan! I think re-framing things is a really good exercise.
ReplyDeleteYes - now to remind myself until it becomes ingrained!
DeletePerspective really is the key and it sounds like you have a fabulous plan.
ReplyDeleteI just need to stay the course with this plan - it will only work if I stick to it.
DeleteGreat tips! Goals are so important, and so are habits.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love this perspective - such a great reminder that sometimes a small shift in mindset can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteIts craaazy how that works!
DeleteAvoiding energy vampires is my go-to method for coping. :) I love that Mary Engelbreit quote, too. I have made an effort in recent years to try to change what I think about things (which is the precursor to how I feel about them). I listen to a podcast by Jody Moore that helps me do that. And you're so right about needing something positive and engaging. Getting paid for it is a great bonus! :) Visiting from the Talking About it Tuesday link party.
ReplyDeleteOof - we have a lot of them. I cut them off quick and it deflates them enough to go away.
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