The other day I went to Officeworks to print four sheets of paper.
Normally, the process is very streamlined – I email my prints, swipe my print card at the machine, and out they come.
But as we’re in Stage 4 lockdown, all Officeworks stores are now closed. I was told I had to order the prints online, then pick them up in-store.
So I went online and spent (I do not exaggerate) two hours navigating the Officeworks online print system.
For some reason, my files wouldn’t add to cart. Then, my browser refused to allow the Flash player required for the checkout. Then, they wouldn’t accept my credit card.
All of this for 4 pieces of paper and $2.40 spent?
I nearly threw my laptop through the window. “WHY IS THIS SO HARD??” I yelled with frustration, as I stomped around my apartment, almost in tears.
My poor hubby Aaron copped the brunt of my rage as I ranted about how difficult life is.
Have you ever noticed yourself reacting to situations in a less than constructive way?
Maybe you get really angry, upset or anxious. Maybe you fly into a rage or you freeze up.
This is not just detrimental to your wellbeing, but it can also negatively impact the people around you.
But the good news is – your reaction does NOT have to be ‘automatic’ or out of control.
In this episode, you’re going to discover that you can CHOOSE the way you react to situations, and behavioural coach Melanie Haydon is here to show you how.
Melanie has a passion for studying human behaviour and over 20 years experience in HR consulting.
Through her company The Haydon Effect, she works with companies aiming to improve their human side of business and with people wanting to raise their self-awareness and satisfaction levels with work / life.
In this episode, you will discover:
- You can’t always choose the circumstances you find yourself in
- But you have a choice as to how constructive your behaviour is
- How we all carry a ‘thought bag’ from our experiences
- Why we need to deal with the thoughts we collect over time – like decluttering for the mind!
- Check out Marie Kondo’s book on decluttering
- Why you need to ask: Does the thought benefit you? Does it cost you? Do I still want to keep this behaviour?
- Ask yourself – am I proud of how I responded in that situation?
- Mel shares the steps from Human Synergistics for controlling how you react: Awareness, Acceptance, Action
- The STOP process (acronym): Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed with choice.
- You don’t have to react in the same way you’ve always done
- When you feel you have choice, it brings more calmness and clarity, and wellbeing.
- Go into it with a growth mindset. Get curious about why you react the way you do.
- Why it’s powerful to work with a coach to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself. (Click here to learn more about how coaching works and if it’s right for you)
- Don’t shut off opportunities to develop – really work to understand yourself.
Connect with Mel:
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Send her an email: melanie@thehaydoneffect.com
- Learn more about the Compass Visionary Leadership program for women, of which Mel is a lead facilitator (and I am a co-facilitator)
Leave a Reply