Make your day great!

When your day is not going as planned, you need to refocus your thoughts and energy. Instead of getting swept up in the problems of your day, take charge and you can change the direction of your day and your mood as well.

Here are just a few ideas to transform a bad day into a great one:

1. Keep busy. If your coworkers are annoying you, work harder. Sounds silly doesn’t it? But I’ve used it with success. If I start getting sidetracked by loud talkers, interruptions or other complications, I make the day a race to see how many items I can get done before going home. If working harder makes me look like the best worker in the office and the others look like slackers, so be it. (Note: Do this with an attitude of fun, not a cut-throat desire to succeed.)
2. Redirect your focus. If your husband is zoned-out, grumpy or just not fun to be around, play with your kids or your pets. You can also read, listen to music, watch TV, take a walk, or any other activity that will get your mind off of things. Usually I find that once I’ve put myself in a better frame of mind by doing something I like that my problems don’t bother me as much.
3. Write it down and take action. If you’re having money problems, write it down. A lot of money problems are only temporary. Write a list to decide how to solve them; by scrimping for a month or so, putting off a big purchase, or even taking a second job for 6 months. Find what remedy works best for you and enjoy the relief of knowing your problem is being worked on.
4. Call in reinforcements. Perhaps you simply feel inadequate, worthless or confused by a task you are trying to accomplish. Get help. Ask a friend, family member, or look to the Internet to find someone to assist you. Or simply email a friend for some moral support. Either way you’ll feel better about yourself and be able to move to the next step.
5. Take a break. I fail at this simple strategy as much as anyone, but when I remember to use it, it is extremely effective. Whenever you are stuck, frustrated or just bored – take a break. Get a snack, do a puzzle, watch a cartoon or whatever else strikes your fancy. After 15 minutes or so you’ll find you are refreshed and whatever you were stuck on will make more sense. (If it doesn’t try another quick break or one of the above steps – whatever helps you the most.)

Don’t let anything stop you from having fun! 15 minutes of fun, especially things that make you laugh, will give you energy and change your perspective. The hardest part is just remembering not to take yourself or your day too seriously.