I’ve been getting lots of wonderful feedback about the animated video I created a few weeks ago (about the fictional volunteer interview gone awry). Several people commented on the bittersweet nature of the content -- “‘Tis sad, but true. The volunteer-organization communication divide is alive and well.” were common sentiments.
The video also touched a nerve with a few people who remain frustrated with the state of affairs. They asked for some advice on how to maintain your optimism in a challenging environment. Here are a few things that work for me.
Six Tips to Re-boot Your Optimism
1) Own It -- A few years ago, a dear friend gifted me a subscription to the Daily Motivator, an email of daily affirmations that are sometimes corny, but often wise. The most valuable lesson, and a theme that is infused throughout almost every essay, is that there is only one person who can change your frame of mind -- you. The most important step for me was understanding this core principle -- It really helps me stay focused on what I can actually control (i.e. my own actions) versus wasting energy on things and people that I can’t. This focus requires constant tending, but it’s worth it.
2) Protect It -- If you find your own slice of inner peace, protect your sanctuary! This is particularly challenging for people in the helping professions, like us. We take pride in being compassionate and caring, however, taking on other people problems can also sap us of energy and optimism. Be sure you set clear boundaries and communicate what kind of behavior and attitudes are acceptable in your air space. Although you can’t control other people, you can certainly control how much of your attention you spend on them. And sometimes, as my good friend and one of the most motivating people alive, Robert Mitchell, once advised me "Tobi, sometimes you just have to give them the 'gift of goodbye'.”
3) Expand Your Field of Vision -- I try to regularly read business books, blogs, articles, etc. that are not necessarily geared toward nonprofits. They often offer new solutions and fresh insights to the problems I'm helping my clients with -- for example, check out Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard, by Chip and Dan Heath (you can ready my book review here). A client and I tweaked some of the strategies in the book to pro-actively address potential resistance to a new performance enhancement initiative. And, Voila! It worked! I also read the Harvard Business Review Daily Alert almost every day. Why not learn from the business pros? Things often need to be tweaked for the social sector, but that makes it even more fun!
4) Get a Does of Vitamin “I” -- I stands for “Ideas.” When I’m uninspired with myself or the world, I stream quick 15-minute Ted videos (www.ted.com/talks) on my laptop to see what the smartest and most creative people in the world are thinking. They may not relate directly to what I'm doing, but the ideas are fascinating and usually the speakers are upbeat and have a great way of engaging with their audiences.
5) Give Your Brain a Break -- Humor is a great way to distract your brain from all of the stress and worry that’s bringing you down. So, take time to watch and read things (and hang out with people) that make you giggle. The Energize Inc website has a humor section to get you started. Also, here’s a list of top humor websites you can check out.
6) Cultivate Patience -- Although I really do wish there was an App that would magically adjust my attitude (and with all the funk in the air lately, I could sure use it!), it hasn’t arrived yet. So, I try to take the long view, if I can, although this isn’t my strong point. There actually ARE a bunch of Optimism iPhone Apps that claim to help you build happiness -- Who knew!? -- but no silver bullets there.)
So, that’s what I do. What helps you keep on keepin’ on?
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