Whistle while you work

I was doing some routine grocery shopping the other day and approached the checkout counter pretty optimistically. I like to make friendly eye contact and strike up a conversation with the people I come in contact with, whether that be in line or with the cashier. You never know whom you’re going to meet!

The thing that got me about this particular trip though was the conversation I had with the cashier. I approached him smiling and asked him how he was doing. Without reservation, he continued to run the items across the scanner, never looking up at me. He proceeded to tell me how many hours were left in his work shift, how much he couldn’t stand the long lines of people and that he couldn’t wait until Sunday when he had off.

This really made me think about how our interactions with others really sets a tone, whether we’re at work or not. I think most of us have worked a job that we really did not care for at one point in our lives or another. I remember stocking shelves, dipping fries in hot grease, working long retail hours over holidays and designing advertisements that put a limit on my creativity. It’s not fun, or easy, working a job that you do not see yourself working at forever.

Here's my personal reminder: Do what you have to do well until you can do what you want to do long term. 

The energy you put off is magnetic, good or bad. This scenario could have gone differently with a mind shift and outlook change. Does he want to be a cashier for the rest of his life? Probably not. Some people do, and that’s fantastic if that helps them to be the best version of themselves. This fella was probably working towards something that he has his heart set on and is doing this in the meantime. He’s doing what he has to do until he can do what he wants to do.

By shifting your emotions around, you can make the very best of each situation. If we have to work alternative jobs to meet our goals, let’s make the best of them! Here are a few ways you can incorporate this into your work life…

1. Make eye contact – when people approach you, acknowledge them by making gentle eye contact. A simple eye connection can speak louder than words. 
2. Smile – The more positive energy you put out there, the more you will receive. Make someone’s day by giving him or her a grin.
3. Listen to your tone – are you talking short and snippy? What do you sound like to people when you answer the phone or greet them in person? Softening your tone and slowing your speed can change an entire conversation. 
4. How are you presenting yourself? - Are you slouched over, sitting with you hand under your chin? Or are you standing tall and confident? Body language is sets a tone just as much as words do.
5. What is your goodbye message? - When you’re finished working with someone, what well wishes, if any, are you sending them away with? Thank them for their time and wish them a great day. Let them know you are sincerely thankful for your time with them.

These are all key communication tools you can use whether you’re working towards a goal or are working the career of your dreams. We’re all entitled to bad days because we’re human. But how we handle those days is what defines our character. It’s the people around us that will help to lift and carry you through those dark times. If you notice someone having a rough day, take a moment to give them something to lift their spirits, a kind smile, gentle word or even a hug sometimes is all it takes to turn someone’s frown upside down.

Most importantly, know that what you do matters. Your goals are important but so is what you are doing at the present moment. Achieving a goal is built on stacking one accomplishment on top of the last. Consider your current situation one of those building blocks. You’re already achieving so much!