Postcards from the Funny Farm

It sounds cliche when I first write it but I have found it to be so very true: “From a distance, things look simpler.”  When our world seems so big and the cast of characters are crowding in, just meditate on all these things “from a distance.”

My parents have been troopers lately.  My dad now in his 60’s is changing jobs and it’s a bit slow going.  The fact that it is in real estate doesn’t help matters much.  Still, they are keeping their spirits up and doing great.  They just went on vacation to the Grand Canyon in Arizona last week.  My dad said it was very inspiring to see that giant open space.  It puts you in your place but also encourages you to do the little things you need to do.  Did you know the Grand Canyon was formed by a small streeam over throusands of years?  We need that kind of perspective sometimes.  Try and get quiet and meditate on your problems, “from a distance.”

It’s probably overly judgmental of me to note but: don’t you think there are too many frantic, fake people in the workplace?  I run across people every day it seems who have a face for you and probably go home revealing another.  Why can’t people be themselves?  In my career I have learned that being frantic and putting a happy face only gets you so far.  Why not try being quieter and more of a listener?  If you blog for a side or full career as I do, an example might be reading blogs of friends you have been neglecting.  Your “grandiose” product will wait. ;)  Success at work can come through humility.

Eventually, people don’t want to be around you for your frantic profile.  You might think you are doing the right things working late hours to get ahead but in reality you are only distancing yourself from the real leaders who are not putting on a face.  They don’t respect workaholics.  Here’s a crazy idea from the Funny Farm: use your sick days!

I actually have made real advances in my career by simply doing nothing extra. Now, wait just a minute … that sounds really bad.  You must always do things at work and strive to do them well.  At the same time, you should go home when it’s time to call it a day .  The real rewards in life come to those who make their sense of calm and mental well-being a #1 priority.  You don’t want people noticing you because you are manic.  You want them to observe you over time being calm, cool and collected at work. Eventually they will call on you to solve the problems of work.  Of course, we all know that pays better!  My dad told me when I was about 18:

Work a lot for a little pay when you are young and you will work less for a lot of pay when you get older.

I have found this to be true.  I might also alter it this way:

Do your work well and more will seek you!

Instead of finding a way to impress the boss, find a way to keep your head calm, cool, and collected at work.  (Test it with a blood pressure monitor, it’s that important) Create a mantra to remember throught the day and help you focus.  She/he will notice.