Hey, way to show up!

A lot is happening at work: endless meetings, multiple projects, people needing your time and attention, constant noise and distractions—it can quickly become overwhelming. Your project stalls. Someone you were counting on drops the ball. Deadlines shrink, and suddenly, there’s even more pressure. To top it off, tensions flare during a tough conversation with teammates who are both upset they have not been included in decisions and, when asked to be included, feel that is imposing on them - why do we need to do someone else’s work and why don’t our leaders decide and show leadership.

How do you keep showing up and staying positive through all this? For me, it’s about knowing what to let go of and what to hold on to. Get those things confused, and it won’t be long before you’re spiralling.

I have been finding letting go of stuff easier these days. It’s probably because I am getting older (the wiser thing is up for debate) and a little more stoic.

Stoicism tells us that if it’s not related to your character, what you say, do, and how you treat people, it’s not really in your control, and you should just let it go. Be indifferent to things outside that, like your health, wealth, fame, etc. It’s okay to prefer to be, say … healthy and act in accordance (a preferred indifference), but much of it is outside your control. And if it’s not in your control, what is the point of feeling anxious or depressed about it?

Then there are the things that I hold on to. Mostly, that’s about my purpose and values. I love what I do. I think everyone deserves an amazing place to work - somewhere they can thrive. Or, at the very least, somewhere that isn’t shit!

The other week, I experienced something similar to the situation I described. A colleague contacted me early the next day to see if I was okay. They told me they hadn’t been able to sleep with everything happening.

But I slept fine. I got up, went to the gym and got ready for work. I hopped in the car and as I drove through a particularly pretty street on my journey, I felt happy that I got to go in and do this work again today.

I’m doing and being the best I can. What other people do is not within my control. If my teammates choose to be cranky, then that’s up to them. For me, every day, I start over. I prioritise what needs to be done and get on with doing the best job I can. I show up positive and ready to go. And if not, I will try again the next day.

Life’s too short not to love what you do or the people you work with. So, each day, you have to look for that thread of connection between those you work with and meet and get on with it. Way to show up!