Ever have one of those days or weeks where nothing seems to go your way? I’m in that mode right now.  It seems like I have to fight extra hard for things I want right now – nothing is easy and it’s frustrating. And then today, I’ve had a few conversations that really made me re-think my situation. Come to find out, it’s more about my attitude than my environment – and I need a positive adjustment stat.

Bah, I guess I need to admit that I realize things won’t always go my way.  It’s not easy, but it’s true and it’s right.  And, honestly, thank goodness. What if we had to make all of the decisions all of the time?

You don’t have all the answers. I found this really good deal earlier this week and I wanted to share it with others.  At first people got excited, but when it came down to it, the others decided the deal wasn’t right and walked away.  I was really frustrated.  And when I followed up (a little too angrily), the response I received from the others was, “It wasn’t my job.” Ugh, Talk about hot button.  I’ve learned I literally don’t understand when others say these words – there is so much work that needs to be done! If we only stuck to our jobs we wouldn’t accomplish much at all! And then I realized it didn’t matter.  My good deal was secondary to my relationship with the others.  I stopped, apologized and stopped. Let 100 of these good deals pass me by.  I don’t have all of the answers and my frustration wasn’t worth it. Be careful about your perspective, you – just like me – don’t have all the answers and that’s ok.

Life is better with a twist.  A few years ago, I was so jealous of a co-worker’s success.  She seemed to have comparable credentials and she’d found her golden ticket straight to the top.  Nearly every time I heard about what she was doing, I got more frustrated.  Why wasn’t it me? What were people missing? I have great ideas! I have a proven record! I should be where she is! And then I remembered, I’d never tried to get where she was going.  I didn’t put my name in the ring.  I didn’t even try.  And my perspective started to shift. I was still jealous, but I realized my problem was with me.  I already had what I’d asked for – nearly everything, in fact.  I needed to be more thankful.  And today, I was reminded of the delicate balance of life – and I’m glad I am exactly where I am.  Seems like that is just where I was meant to be.

It’s nice to feel appreciated. I had someone come in my office today and ask me for advice because of the success of my blog.  Talk about flattering!  Someone had recommended my blog to him because it was so organized (yep!) and it’s great (awe, thanks!).  Then I continue the conversation in a small group who is impressed with the level – quantity and quality – of work I’ve been doing.  They’ve noticed and they’re impressed – they appreciate my work and seemed genuinely interested in my advice.  This is all I’ve ever wanted! People are listening to my opinions! People recognize my hard work! You know what it made me want to do? Recognize others for their contributions.  I’m feeling more generous because I know that others appreciate me.  Don’t let your perspective get in the way of being a champion for others.  Stop right now and sincerely make someone else’s day – even the little things really matter.

Your life isn’t all about you. Last week, I got a giant hot mess handed to me.  The more I dig into it, the more I see the giant mess for what it is.  It’s going to be a ton of work.  A ton of work that is going to take a lot of time and this mess will last for a while.  Want to know what I’m thinking? Kind of excited.  After all, you need to know where your strengths are and know when you can make improvements – even when you don’t get the credit. I think I might need to add “Hot Mess Handler” as an official title on my resume. I’ve got this.  I’ve already started my systematic plan to tackle this hot mess and turn it into something that will benefit students, co-workers and improve the overall culture of my community.  Hot mess? Get ready to be handled – like a boss.

Your bad day isn’t as bad as it seems.  Your bad week just needs a re-focused perspective.  Your bad month will soon turn around.  You have the power to say this isn’t how the story is going to end.  Sure right now it may suck, but it gets better and slowly, but surely, you can make it happen.