In the last article, I talked about what it means to be mindful and what tremendous benefit mindfulness can be in your home life (read the article HERE)
When we work, we have one agenda: to do our job, and to do our job well. That can feel like a lot of pressure in our modern world that constantly demands everything be faster, smarter and cheaper.
How can you keep your sanity (and inner peacefulness) as you navigate through these challenges?
Is the Success Worth the Sacrifice?
Work is stressful, there’s no doubt about it. No matter what job you hold, there’s always the pressure to do well and earn your keep. We always want to achieve results and reap the rewards but sometimes the effort required of us can feel so overwhelming that we find ourselves in a constant state of stress.
Many times workers will sacrifice their emotional and physical well-being in an effort to achieve what we perceive to be success in the work place. It isn’t until something happens – sickness, lack of sleep, traumatic emotional event, excessive conflict between co-workers – that we begin to realize it’s time to take a different approach.
Recognize the Challenge and Approach it Mindfully
If you’re feeling stressed at work and experiencing conflict with your coworkers, it’s important to first recognize the challenge you’re facing. Most often, there will be a difference of opinion or ideals, but that difference can be resolved if both people are willing to acknowledge the value of the other’s input and contribution.
When you encounter obstacles like this, notice how you’re feeling inside. Take a few minutes to listen to yourself unconditionally… and then offer the same act of kindness to the other person. Listen to him or her as you would wish someone to listen to you in a conflict, and allow that person to express their aspirations, concerns or worries that are coming up.
Reframe the Problem
It’s always good to reframe the problem in order to constructively create a solution. Negative emotions can sometimes transform simple problems into threats, challenges and major ordeals when they don’t really have to be that big of an issue.
Invite others to creatively reshape their challenges and redefine their goals in collaboration with you. Look at the situation objectively: is this road block actually a road block?
Here’s an example of what this looks like in action:
Not too long ago, one of my friends gave a presentation at work. It was well received, and the company decided to integrate his suggestions. However, although they used his ideas, they didn’t give him any credit, promotion or acknowledgement for his contribution. At this point, it would have been easy for him to turn the situation into a big problem, but instead, he reframed the situation by telling himself, “I didn’t get recognized for the wonderful job I did… but deep down inside, I know I did the best I could and I was successful at achieving my goal of making a positive impact on the company.”
Now, he has a constructive belief built around the experience instead of bringing himself and others down with negative thoughts and talk.
It always takes an effort to be mindful in our lives, but you also always have a choice. Choose to stand in your power as a positive, mindful employee and you’ll see big changes in the way others interact with you in the workplace!
What practices do you implement to stay mindful at work? Leave a comment below to add your two cents!
Wishing you peace to your mind, wellness to your body and tranquility to your spirit.
Namaste,
Rochel Marie Lawson, RN, AHP, CMS
The Queen of Feeling Fabulous and The Wellness Architect
Blissful Living 4U 