Top 10 Strategies for Workplace Renewal
The sinking economy, the impending war and gasoline prices higher than
ever are creating jitters in and outside of the workplace. It’s
difficult to stay highly charged and positively motivated when faced with
increased workloads and financial anxieties. The concept of renewal is
more important than ever, though also more difficult to orient around
when we’re busy scrambling to meet deadlines and meeting the bottom
line.
Renewal according to Merriam Webster means to *make like new: to restore
to freshness, vigor or perfection.* Renewal is the perfect antidote for
increased worries in a troubled world.
1. Know what’s important to you. Know YOUR own
bottom line – what you’re willing to compromise on and what
you’re not. Internal clarity is a key component of renewal and restoration.
2. Know what motivates you. Know what concerns are at
play when you’re engaged in activities, especially those that you
dread or would rather not be doing.
3. Look for the learning opportunity. In everything we
do, there’s opportunity for growth. Usually, the things we least
want to do offer us the most opportunity for growth. Stay focused on the
learning opportunity, particularly when taking on the difficult tasks
and roles. This will aid continual growth, development and renewal.
4. Get outside of yourself. This doesn’t mean zoning
out on television or alcohol. It does mean engaging in activities that
stretch and develop you – and might not have anything to do with
your work or professional development needs!
5. Be physical. Too many
of us live from our heads and our hearts – and not our bodies. We
don’t stretch or develop ourselves physically. Try pumping iron
for maximum intensity and centering, or take a Pilates or kickboxing class.
Do something physical that you don’t usually do or haven’t
done before.
6. Maintain connections.
Too often, when we’re stressed and over-worked, we dismiss our need
for collegial relationships– we’re too busy meeting the bottom
line. This is a big mistake! Maintain connections to those around you,
stay involved socially. Building community is nourishing and helps to
keep us connected to our core values.
7. De-clutter. If you’re
cluttered and have no space, new developments aren’t going to emerge.
Clear out the clutter so you’ll have the space for new things to
emerge and take hold. Clear spaces provide a foundation for growth, renewal
and abundance.
8. Telling the truth. Renewal
can’t come if you’re living a lie or not telling the truth.
Tell the truth to yourself. It’s the first step towards renewal…
even if you take no other action other than telling the truth to yourself.
9. Be open to kindred spirits.
Keep your eyes open for others who have traveled the road you’re
traveling. Knowing that others have endured the bumpy road that you’re
currently experiencing will help you to keep your situation in perspective.
10. Keep it simple. As
you de-clutter and get rid of outdated possessions, habits and relationships,
your appreciation for the simple things in life will increase. This is
a source of renewal; you’ll be more in touch with your core values.
Simplicity clearly leads to renewal and enrichment.
Copyright © 2003 by Jan Gordon. All Rights Reserved. This content may be forwarded in full, with copyright/contact/creation information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Jan Gordon is required.
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