Mr. Happy Pants

It’s always been a struggle for me to not take work home with me. Pulling out a document I had been working on several hours ago at the office: it’s a giddy, rush-of-adrenaline moment. Now, in a new environment, it’s a more intense battle. I really love what I do!

Being the new girl at work, however, I’m the outsider looking in over shoulders. Or so I thought. I’ve found it’s a safety zone for sharing. Even if I wrapped my emotional baggage in designer bags, it’s baggage nonetheless. When I noticed that the level of communication at work was essential to the momentum of the team, I realized how the empathy and wisdom they gave and gained made taking work home an even more positive thing. That baggage I carried in? It’s been lightened and can now be refilled with encouragement.

I’m learning to listen; I’ve been listened to. Now I feel like an insider.

I thought I was alone in some of my quirks and hang-ups. I told myself to shut up if the urge to speak arose. But as I listened, they listened in return and turns out, we aren’t as unique as we think when it comes to mishaps of life.

And Mr. Happy Pants? He’s the gentleman who inspired me, long ago, to smile, laugh at oneself and move on. Every time he came into my old store, he wore his ripped pants; a big L-shaped tear that created a flap right over the seat of his pants. If only his boxers had smiley faces: ) He was aware of this clothing defect, but he always smiled through the recounting of his stories… even when the things in his life were ripping him apart.

The next time I go into work I can be Mr. Happy Pants, because I work with a group of Happy Pants. They too have been ripped, but when they brought their home into work, they slipped on Happy Pants, and could take that renewed work energy home with them. Today, especially, I saw how my co-workers and boss take those Happy Pants everywhere, and I see sharing -tears, rips and all- really is caring.

Do What Fires You Up!

How you spend your time is how you spend your life. You know all of those things you’ve always wanted to do? The time to do them is now. The circumstances will never be aligned perfectly, and you will never have forward movement without taking risks. If you remember one thing from this post, remember this: You, playing small, will not serve the world.

Say yes to what fires you up. But, how do you get there? Fill your environment with what matters most to you. Physically get out there and do what matters most. You will know it when you feel it. When you are continually focusing on it, your mind becomes quiet, you find peace and clarity, and your renewed state-of-mind will elevate your work and business. When you can define your core, you will attract clients that think like you.

Risk success, because it is not guaranteed. Saying no to one thing is saying yes to something better. Choosing one or the other is always a risk. Maybe this will mean less income, you may lose clients that don’t share your values, or your family and friends may not support it. It’s worth the risk when it matters most to you.

What is physically keeping you from doing what fires you up? Are you worried about what people will think or have fear of failure? Most emotional fears are irrational bi-products of our own thinking. Just because everyone is headed in one direction, doesn’t mean you have to go follow along. Make decisions based on your values, because you can’t be everything to everyone.

You are more than enough, and you are here for a purpose. Everyone ends up somewhere, but few end up there intentionally. To be different, you have to be yourself.

The ability to make decisions will come naturally once you can define what is most important to you. Do what fires you up. Do what matters.

Better Health Equals a Better You

It isn’t news that better health can increase productivity. We have all been there. You look up at the clock, it is 3:00pm, and you forgot to eat lunch. You head to a vending machine or through the drive thru and grab a quick bite. The rest of the day you feel sluggish and have a hard time concentrating.

When you take care of your body, it is easier to focus on the tasks that lie before you, and to avoid temptations related to distractions. With increased motivation and a clear mind, you will be able to work more efficiently. There are several things you can do to make yourself feel better:

Get some sleep. Sleep helps your brain function better and allows you to make better decisions. You will be able to focus and be more productive.

Relax. Relaxation reduces stress, can boost your energy level, and can help you to focus. If something is frustrating at work, take a break and come back later with a fresh perspective.

Get moving. In combination with enough sleep, exercise can give you a boost of energy. Get your blood flowing first thing in the morning, and you will feel awake, energized and ready to take on the day.

You are what you eat. Your body needs the right fuel to function properly. Sometimes we fall off the wagon, eat junk for a while, and feel really tired and out of it. Add in more of the good stuff, including fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet. Good fuel makes you feel better, leading to better motivation and productivity.

Take care of your emotional health. To give your productivity an extra boost, give yourself a little extra TLC. Here are a few things you can do:

• Take a short break to read or eat something healthy

• Take a short walk to clear your mind

• Work on something else for a while

• Organize your work space

If you feel fatigued, don’t try to do a marathon. Take a break and engage in an activity that takes care of your health. Once you take care of your needs, you can go back to your tasks with more energy.