Warning: you need some change

 

“We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities disguised as insoluable problems.” – John W. Gardner

 

In my own experience working with leaders and teams, there are some clear indicators that point to a need for personal or team change:

1. You feel stuck – and maybe a little hopeless that change is possible.
2. You’re getting snappy and impatient – at work with colleagues or at home with your family.
3. You’re exhausted and overwhelmed, maybe even feeling slightly out of control.
4. You’re less productive and less effective with others than you used to be. 
5. There’s a sense of dread or burden about your work.  It feels like it’s all coming out of your hide.
6. It’s difficult to leave work at work.  You’re worrying a lot.   Maybe your sleep or your health is starting to suffer.
7. You’ve lost a sense of purpose or mission about your work. 

Woah.  Ugh. 

If you see yourself in this mirror, try this:

1) Listen in, to yourself – especially to any negative or limiting thoughts rolling around in your mind.  Try to listen underneath the limiting thought, for what is really important to you.  If there was some useful information in those thoughts, what are you yearning for?  

2)  Imagine, behind any crabby behavior or frustration (yours or others), what is the legitimate need that wants to be expressed?  See if you can identify and ask for your true needs, including asking for help.

3) Underneath exhaustion and overwhelm is usually a deep desire to stop, or slow down.  See where you can build in even short breaks in your day and week. 

4) Get clear about what’s important to you: download my free e-workbook and uncover what is core to you about your work, including the frustrations you feel.

 

Now it’s your turn!  In the Comments below, chime in & tell me:

– What’s a sure warning sign for you that change is needed?

– What can you do to ease your own stress?

 

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Photo credit: iStock