Back to Work: How to Cope When Reality Hits Hard
Remember that blissful vacation where the days were sunny, and the stress was nonexistent? Now, here you are, back at work, and it feels like a slap in the face. You're tired, unmotivated, frustrated, and questioning everything. Does this sound familiar?
Back at the office, everything is the same. The same draining patterns repeat themselves:
- Nick, your ever-annoying colleague, drops a "small" task on your desk that derails your entire schedule.
- Betty, your elusive manager, never has a moment for you, leaving you feeling stranded without clear priorities.
- The management team rallies everyone with empty slogans like "pull up your sleeves and work harder," while the project lags six months behind.
You're left wondering, "What am I doing here? How can I escape?" The hopelessness creeps in, and your motivation plummets. With only a week of vacation left for the year, reserved for Christmas, the reality feels even more hopeless.
I understand. This feeling is tough, and it's unproductive to stay stuck in this cycle. Let’s explore why you might be feeling this way and what you can do to turn things around:
Why You Might Feel This Way:
1. Misalignment with Talents and Values: Your work doesn’t reflect your true skills or what you care about. Here you can find additional resources on value clarification and finding your talents.
2. Overstepping Boundaries: After vacation, it's crucial to ease back into work gradually, like athletes warming up before a race.
3. Resistance to Change: Sometimes, it’s as simple as resisting the shift from vacation mode back to work mode.
How to Help Yourself:
1. Create Space for Your Needs: What do you need for a slow and productive start? Identify and honor these needs.
2. Set Achievable Goals: Break your work into manageable tasks. Completing them will boost your productivity and motivation.
3. Incorporate Joy into Your Week: What activities make you happy? Make time for them during your workweek.
4. Take Regular Breaks: Give your brain a rest every 90 minutes for at least 10 minutes. It’s essential for recovery.
5. Consider a Change: If you’ve outgrown your current role, it might be time to look for something new. Resources are available to help you through this process.
Feeling stuck and needing personalized advice? Book a free 30-minute clarity call with me! Let's find a way to get you back on track.