Kellye Crane (warning, gushing may ensue as I am a huge fan of Kellye) had a great post on her blog with tips on how to maintain a positive attitude. While the post was geared toward solo professionals the advice is applicable to mobile and remote workers and even office based employees.
Having a positive attitude is essential to maintaining your sanity and peace of mind but also can boost your career success. You are better equipped to handle the challenges inherent to work life when you view things through a lens of focused clarity.
No matter where you are based or how big or small your company you need to make time to renew your attitude. There is no better way to do that than to spend time with other professionals in an environment where you can learn, share and support. Below are a few strategies that have worked for me.
I have mini water cooler moments throughout the day via social media. A quick conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Buzz or FriendFeed keeps me updated on social and industry trends, provides inspiration for new ideas and offers a mental boost that keeps me energized throughout the day. You can create your own water cooler moments with a little creativity. If you don’t have online access, seek out others in your company with great attitudes and spend 5-10 minutes brainstorming new ideas or sharing information about your industry.
I have two hours on my calendar every week for two of my favorite online chat sessions, #brandchat and #solopr chat. Both are on Wednesday and I try to structure my schedule that day so that I don’t miss out. Brandchat is at 11 am US Eastern and Solo PR is at 1 pm Eastern. Every Wednesday both hours fly by as we share information, resources, tips, shortcuts and laughter. There is nothing more energizing than an hour with accomplished professionals with a great attitude. If you want to participate or just eavesdrop, I use tweetchat to participate, but some prefer tweetgrid. Solo PR and Brandchat both also have Facebook pages.
When I worked in Corporate I was a remote worker so all of my time was in the field, traveling or working from a home office. I made time to meet with colleagues for lunch or coffee. Those informal meetings were our time to share and support and we always left energized and renewed with new ideas.
Multitask. As a runner, I have found running groups to be a great way to combine mental and physical fitness. If you’re not into running, you can create “meet-ups” around your area of interest. Get a group together to meet in the parking lot at work and walk; combine networking with volunteering; create a book club and meet at a local library or online. If you have kids, schedule a kid friendly networking event so that you are not sacrificing family time. How many parents would appreciate combining adult interaction at insanely challenging places like Chuck E Cheese?
Don’t limit yourself to your industry; make time to connect with others in completely different industries or functions. You’ll gain a fresh perspective that you can apply to your own work life.
Far too often I hear professionals say that they don’t have time for networking or professional socializing. Sadly, these are often the people that are stressed out and seriously in need of an attitude boost.
Kellye Crane is a great example of someone who took the initiative to create a community. If a community of positive thinkers doesn’t exist form your own!
What strategies do you use to stay positive?
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karen says
Melissa, well shucks if we’re talking non-work related, spa day totally does it for me! 🙂 I love your balance of solo refreshing tips and we need that as much as we need to also connect. On Wednesdays I am buzzing with joy, after spending time with my savvy, funny peers. Best of all I can participate on the couch, at a coffee shop or in my office.
Melissa Donovan says
For me, the best way to stay positive is to make sure I schedule activities that are relaxing and refreshing — listening to or playing music, reading, exercising, or enjoying some kind of treat. I love social media for staying connected to my industry but the real rejuvenation (for me) comes from having an enjoyable experience that is not work-related. Having said that, you’ve provided some great tips for staying connected and upbeat 🙂
.-= Melissa Donovan´s last blog ..Doing Business Online with Transparency =-.
karen says
Kellye, you are amazing and your gracious and upbeat nature brings out the best in all of us! I’m a huge fan of fitness and even love walking meetings – you eliminate the unessential, are more creative and meetings become much more efficient (very few will want to walk and meet for miles and miles) 🙂
Kellye Crane says
Wow, Karen — you’re way too kind! As I hope you know, I learned much of what I know about online community from you. And, of course, your positivity is amazing, so we should all take a page from your playbook.
There are terrific ideas here I hadn’t thought about before. I especially like the suggestion to combine socializing with exercise — I’m going to do it!
.-= Kellye Crane´s last blog ..Keep a Positive Attitude =-.