It is easy to go through our day on autopilot, going through the motions like a cog in a wheel instead of questioning the why behind what we are doing. On the other hand, if you are willing to examine your attitude and actions by taking ownership of your mindset and your day, you may find yourself feeling happier with your trajectory at work and beyond.
Owning Your Attitude.
Are you surprised when, after eating a large bowl of ice cream before bed, you wake up with a headache and a stomachache? Now you’re grumpy, sleep in, and skip your morning workout. Since you already feel bad, you might reach for a box of Fruity Pebbles™ instead of making oatmeal. And from there your day spirals into unhealthy habits for your mind and body.
First of all, remind yourself that you were the one who chose to consume the ice cream last night. This isn’t to make yourself feel bad or full of regret, but to remind yourself that it was a personal choice. Similarly, you now have the ability to make a new choice. Once you recognize your role in your own decision-making process, you can being taking ownership of how you react and what new behaviors you want to enact.
Owning Your Space.
At work, even if your boss has told you where to sit, what computer to use, and where to put your purse, you can still make your mark on your workspace. Find small décor items to add your personal flair to your desk, such as a fun, colorful pen or quirky mousepad, and put up pictures of your “why” to keep you motivated. Need help finding your why? Read Simon Sinek’s top tips for discovering what drives you. Change your desktop image to a picture from your last vacation, bring your favorite coffee mug to work, and leave a post-it note of an inspiring quote on your monitor to keep you motivated.
Speak up if you are unhappy with your environment. Is your desk located right next to the coffee maker where chatty co-workers distract you all day? Is your chair leaving your back feeling stiff and sore? Your boss may be open to moving you to a new location, investing in a more ergonomically correct chair, and purchasing a standing desk to provide you with relief from a day of sitting. You never know unless you ask. Because many of these improvements would also increase your focus and productivity, management will likely be happy to accommodate your justifiable requests. In fact, they may respect you more for taking action on your needs. If you want to become a leader in your company, you must first take the lead in your life.
Owning Your Actions.
When taking ownership of your circumstances, it is important to have a proactive, not reactive, mentality. You may not always be able to control your circumstances, but you can decide how you react. Do you feel yourself getting angry? Start by controlling your breathing: Breath in for 3 counts, hold your breath for 3 counts, and breath out for 6 counts—see if that calms your response to a situation that seems out of your control.
What other daily tasks could you take more authority over? Just because you have a specific job description and particular assignments to complete, doesn’t mean you can’t have a say in what projects you are given. Take ownership by letting your boss know what projects align most with your interests and skill sets. Own your voice and speak up for what you want. What additional passion and expertise can you bring toward a particular topic or client that could not only add value to your company, but also increase your excitement in your role? While you may feel like you are being a squeaky wheel, your boss will likely applaud your initiative.
Owning It All.
Help is not coming. This might sound overwhelming, or even terrifying, but it is possible to get to a place of excitement toward this realization! First, take a moment to breathe and fuel your brain. Then, once you have come to terms with the fact that you are responsible for your circumstances, and you hold the keys to your success—you’re ready to take ownership of your life.
If you are in more of a leadership role at work, do you want your employees to view themselves as “owners,” too? Yes! Giving them the confidence and tools to invest in the company and to feel comfortable contributing their ideas and opinions can lead to increased creativity and productivity at work and beyond. Here are some tips for empowering your employees.
Are you ready to take a more proactive role in your life but need some help reframing your mental outlook? Check out this blog post on spring-cleaning your mindset for some helpful tips on how to reset your thinking.
