What do you do when the going gets tough? I believe it all starts with a decision, one of two things, do nothing or act. I have never been one to do nothing but I am sure you can see that from reading my other posts, the level of action I have taken has varied but doing nothing just isn’t me. In some cases, however, doing nothing is the best decision and wait it out. I however, at times have not stopped to observe the entire situation to realize nothing may be best. In times of stress or tough, my juices flow and I constantly think of ways to get out of the tough time. I offer my unsolicited advice…
Pay attention
This is where I see individuals fail the most. They are trying so hard to defend themselves or justify themselves that they just do not listen and dig themselves in a deeper hole. Please, please, just stop talking, when you continue talking you are not listening and most of the time you are making it worse for yourself and those around out. Here is where is you are unsure, ask. Asking for clarify on expectations is an amazing tool, use it. Not only pay attention to what is happening in your situation, pay attention to what is happening in situations around you, you may see something useful in their dealings.
Work smarter
Notice, I said work smarter, not work harder, there is a significant difference and one I have the hardest time getting through to most. Working more hours is useless if you continue to spin your wheels. Get ahead of the situation. Make changes. I once had a spin instructor say in class when everyone was struggling and wanting to slack off- “things will never change if you don’t change, even a slight change”. I have used this phrase a few times since as it is so true.
Deliver
Don’t make excuses, once you articulate the reasoning behind the results, don’t excuse the deficient performance, present your actions to alter the result in the future. Re-asses as needed but make if your priority to deliver. When presented with a tough situation at home, you focus energies on correcting it, same in your work situation or your own business. Deliver on your promises to any situation.
Whether you decide to “drink the Kool-Aid” or not when presented to correct a tough situation, it is on you to rise to the occasion, dig in your heels, and make it happen. Even if for no other reason, your reputation is at stake.
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I have a problem with giving excuses and not listening… So thanks for this, I have too much to learn.
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This is great! It’s really all about mentality. Thanks for the tips!
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totally agree that the most important point is to “pay attention” and stop “digging that hole.” Half the time, so many issues can be circumvented if the other party had spent more time listening rather than lecturing.
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Great advice – I definitely need to work smarter – I know I waste so much time by going over things unnecessarily and procrastinating! Rx
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Great post, I often dig myself into a hole by talking too much. I like your point about small change – it’s easy to put off change because it seems too big.
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Great tips Julie! Another way to “pay attention” is to maintain an open mind. If you are open minded to criticism and suggestions of new solutions or techniques, you grow. When you learn and grow, things tend to change and get better. If you are stuck defending the problem and not listening, you tend to stay where you are in the tough situation. Thanks for sharing!
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Great point, thank you!
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This is such an important post. I’ve always held the belief that you learn the most when you hurt the most.
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So true, thanks!
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Great tip I always go off and do unnecessary things. I need to learn how to work better.
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Stop talking is perhaps the best advice in this post. You can’t talk AND listen. Great tip.
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I agree when you say more people need to pay attention and listen. More people will get more things accomplished if they just took the time to listen.
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Paying attention might be the best piece of advice I’ve ever received. Paying attention to yourself is so important, especially when you’re going through hard stuff. I agree that we can allow ourselves some time to wallow or recover, but then it’s time to get things done.
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Thank you for this post it is really helpful. You have some great advice I like the ‘work smarter’ part.
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Wow. This hit me hard especially the prioritizing part. Thank you for this reminder.
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Great tips Julie! More often than not, most people buckle under pressure and don’t make sense of what is happening to/around them. Slowing down and doing nothing makes things so much easier in the long run. I tend to sleep things off and wake up better prepared to tackle the situation!
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Great tips Julie! More often than not, most people buckle under pressure and don’t make sense of what is happening to/around them. Slowing down and doing nothing makes things so much easier in the long run. I tend to sleep things off and wake up better prepared to tackle the situation!
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Amazing advice to add, thanks!
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You are right. It is so so important to just stop making excuses and defending yourself. Sometimes you need to just breathe and analyze the situation before acting.
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“things will never change if you don’t change” is such an amazing quote, I definitely want to apply it to so many parts of my life!
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