Time to Rebalance? Get Ready for the Upturn... Straighten Up!

Earlier this summer, I met with a couple of cousins and what fun we had reminiscing about our days growing up in Gloversville, NY.  Although the world was very different back then (in the 1960’s), we agreed that we got quite an education about life and people (“P2P”) by working summers in our fathers’ glove factory during our high school and college years.

We talked about some of the things our Dads used to say to us kids and others…My Dad, (Carl) the ever-smiling, happy-go-lucky sort, used to say, “You look good!,” as he walked by. Or, “Get a haircut!” in a joking way to his nephews or neighborhood teenage boys if their hair was creeping over their ears. Uncle Ralph was a big band and traditional jazz fan. When Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass came on the radio, he would cringe, shake his head, and say, “Gee, Christopher!” One of our aunts used to always encourage us to “Read!” especially during the long summer months. And, Uncle Henry, ever the stickler for appearance and manners, used to say, “Straighten up!” when he saw us slouching or getting off track!

Overall, there was a very positive work environment in that glove shop. Even when the summer heat brought 90+ degrees and high humidity, we all seemed to have fun (sans air conditioning) while working very hard at the various aspects of glove making.  Traditional holidays were the only days off for our families and real vacations were non-existent. Summer evenings and some Sundays consisted of picnics at nearby Caroga Lake, Pine Lake or North Hampton Beach on the great Sacandaga Lake. Once a year, we ventured up to Lake George for a day at the Million Dollar Beach and dinner afterward at one of the great spots there. Great memories…

Even though our parents worked over 12 hours each week day and many Saturday mornings in “the shop,” they still seemed (outwardly) happy and able to juggle and balance all of their responsibilities. However, inwardly, something else was going on… Unfortunately, during the 1970’s, my Dad and all of his five remaining siblings died – five with heart-related issues, the sixth with cancer – and all within a five-year period. Did someone say, “stress?” Need for rebalance?

Today, everyone is working and juggling very hard to keep it all going – especially during these difficult times. It’s important for all of us to allow ourselves some time to rebalance – straighten up – from the day-to-day pressures that have us slumping, stressing, and scowling.  

Do you need to rebalance?  Take this quiz! (click here)

What are your top five priorities each day?  Did you put your self at the top of the list?  Most people don’t…Time to rebalance!  If you are out of balance, how do you expect to have a positive home and work environment?  How will you achieve successful, productive “P2P” (people-to-people connections)?  Remember… patience, perseverance and positive!  With ourselves, first! 
Let’s be ready for the upturn by rebalancing NOW…

Here are a few practical tips to help you:

1. Shift into Neutral!  Most of us are running around in high gear all the time.  Take some time to sit still and enjoy a few moments of peace wherever you can.  I love my back porch swing!  Rebalance…Give your self permission to take a few extra minutes between meetings and errands.  Leave one weeknight free to do something spontaneous and fun!  Slow down…you will be as productive as before…because you are not wasting time worrying and being stressed out.

2. Take the Time to Manage Your Time! We all have 168 hours a week – How much time to you waste worrying or procrastinating about things that need to get done?  Rebalance…Do your self a favor and set realistic goals and deadlines. Life will flow a bit easier and better when you take control of your time.

3. Get Organized and Simplify! What does your office, cubical, home, and car look like?  We really don’t need all the stuff we accumulate. The more stuff, the longer it may take to find things! Rebalance…Take the time to get organized. If you need help, hire a professional organizer. You will save yourself a great deal of time and energy in the long run.

4. Delegate! Let go of the “command and control” mentality – at home and at work.  Rebalance…Teaching others something new can free up time for you to do other things or learn something new.  Not to worry if the task is not done perfectly (unless you are a brain surgeon)…Allow others the sense of accomplishment – it fosters engagement and productivity!

5. Pick and Choose!  Are you a people-pleaser? Do you agree to do anything you are asked just to please the other person?  Rebalance…If you do not have the time to do a good job or be fully committed to the request, please do yourself and them a favor – be selective in what you take on if you have a choice.

6. Know When NOT to Use Technology!  Technology tools can be a great time saver but can also be a great time eater at work and at home.  Cell phones, blackberries, blueberries, rasberries, e-mail, IM, etc. can eat away your “free time.” Rebalance…Disconnect, unplug!  Be sure to make some “techno-free” time at work on your lunch breaks and at home with your family.

Here’s the challenge:  Choose just one of the tips above that will help you the most right now to achieve a better work-life balance. E-mail me with your choice and what you are going to do to start the rebalance process for yourself.  You will be entered into a drawing to win an autographed copy of my new book!

Rebalancing is a process and is not going to happen overnight.  As we know all too well, work and life are unpredictable. So, expect the unexpected…stuff happens!
How we react and rebalance is in our control.  It’s time to get ready for the upturn and straighten up!

Need a “Power Surge?” Check out my new book A Positive Workplace Means Business! It Just Makes Cent$! ®
	Whether you are here in Connecticut, in another state or even in another country, you can easily bring a bit of me and my "Positive Workplace" message to your organization during these difficult times! Know any students of business? The book is a terrific, practical "real-world" resource for business classes and programs.  It also makes a great gift to welcome new employees at all levels and ideal for reward and recognition programs in your workplace!
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A Positive Workplace Means Business!
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Stay tuned for next month’s edition…

MJ Paris

P.S. Do you know someone who needs "Positive Energy" in their workplace? Feel free to forward this issue to friends, family and colleagues!

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About MJ

Mary Jane (MJ) Paris brings a broad base of experience in management, leadership and employee development gained from more than 25 years in sales management, retail banking, training, recruiting, project management, event planning and community leadership.
Her common sense approach and practical experience combined with her dynamic presentation skills provide a solid foundation for understanding her client’s needs and challenges.

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