Hope For Winning

April 8, 2024

‘Tis the season, right? In simpler times, I believe that meant ‘tis the season to slow down, enjoy loved ones, and make lasting memories. Today, people feel the pressure of trying to squeeze in more tasks and shopping and events. Instead of savoring precious moments, people are often stressed to the max!

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by stress?

I created an infographic that includes five tips to help people increase C-A-L-M. I hope it helps!

Oh, how I wish our workdays were filled with Kumbaya moments and Hallmark movie style interactions. However, we both know that is not reality.
Sometimes people who are normally emotionally intelligent enough to retain their composure under pressure let stress get the best of them and they uncharacteristically lash out at others. Those are the people who will later apologize for their behavior. For others, displaying very low emotional intelligence is their norm. They will never, ever apologize.
If you have ever been on the receiving end of such treatment, then you know it does not feel great. You may even question if you did something that justified the maltreatment. What exactly could you have done to deserve abusive treatment in the workplace? Nothing.
If you would like some help dealing with difficult people in the workplace, click the link below for a free resource.
Get F.I.G.H.T – Five Tips for Surviving Jerks at Work here: https://hope-hughes.mykajabi.com/f-i-g-h-t-five-tips-for-surviving-encounters-with-jerks-at-work-2327a26b-2bb7-45b2-9352-ad6dd8376bdc

Doesn’t everyone want to be happy? I certainly do, but more times than I would like, I miss the mark. As an Enneagram Type 3 (The Achiever), I’m always looking to the future rather than taking time to enjoy all the goodness in the here and now.

Looking at the image of the jar of fireflies makes me smile. It reminds me of one of my happiest memories from my early childhood. My brothers and I were at my aunt’s house for a barbeque. On that magical night, we chased fireflies and put some in a jar.

As the years passed, I lost much of my ability to experience childlike happiness and to just enjoy being in the moment. Fortunately, happiness is a habit that can be developed, so I decided I would seek to be happy as much as possible, just as happy as I was chasing those fireflies all those years ago. Even when I face challenges, I can still decide to be happier than I would be if I just let my emotions control me.

Some of the benefits of developing a habit of happiness may surprise you—improved cognition, performance, and health. Developing a habit of happiness will make you a winner in every area of your life.

Some ways to develop a habit of happiness include: (1) being as cheerful as possible; (2) being friendlier to others and showing empathy; (3) not allowing your opinions to put a negative or pessimistic spin on facts; and (4) committing to act as calmly and as intelligently as possible, even in difficult situations.