Emotional Intelligence

Strategically placed at the midpoint between Valentine’s Day and April Fools’ Day, March 9 (tomorrow) has been designated “Get Over It Day.” The idea behind the occasion is that all of us have some leftover baggage that needs to be put away once and for all (and if you think you don’t, the creator urges you to ask your friends if there is anything they are tired of hearing you complain about).

From deadlines to red tape to incompetent co-workers, the workplace is filled with a variety of factors that can cause frustration. While being able to “let things go” sounds good in theory, it is usually easier said than done. What can you do when you feel your blood boiling for the fourth time this week (and it’s only Tuesday)? Try these suggestions:

Look for the root of the problem.

Fixing the source of stress can be more effective than always opting for temporary, “make-do” solutions.

Focus on a solution.

Fudging on a timecard, keeping quiet about an error, playing innocent after insulting a colleague – workers sometimes don’t see the harm in little (or not so little) lies. As we prepare to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two men often celebrated for their honest ways, here’s some food for thought the next time you’re tempted to bend the truth.

You’re jeopardizing your reputation.

While it might sound romantic, working in the same place as your spouse has its share of both pros and cons. Sure, it can be nice to commute in together or be able to have a conversation over lunch, but when the two of you had a fight the night before, don’t be surprised if the whole office picks up on the tension.

From speaking in front of a group to mastering a new computer program, situations come up in the workplace that provoke fear. While most of us realize that worrying about the thing we fear isn’t going to make the anxiety go away, it also pays to remember that fear is a common, human emotion. Instead of chiding yourself for the way you feel, acknowledge the existence of fear – and then prepare to deal with it.

Yesterday, we looked at how procrastination often results from emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear. Once you’ve identified the culprit, it’s time to take action. Here, psychotherapist Jude Bijou, author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life, offers tips on getting the dreaded task done:

While procrastinating commonly is associated with laziness, chances are deeper emotions are keeping you from completing a certain task. Psychotherapist Jude Bijou, author of Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life, recommends these steps in order to get to the heart of the matter:

Yesterday, we looked at why some people are prone to negative self-talk and how it can hurt a career. Today, our discussion with psychotherapist and career counselor Aricia E. LaFrance, MSE, focuses on action.

TOP: What are some strategies for getting rid of or changing negative self-talk?

Do you sometimes feel like your own worst enemy? Negative self-talk can deflate your morale, damage your focus, and keep you from achieving what you truly want. Today and tomorrow, we’ll be examining this important topic with help from psychotherapist and career counselor Aricia E. LaFrance, MSE.

TOP: Why are some people prone to negative self-talk?