Previous Story
10 Tips To Staying Motivated During Challenging Times – Part 3
Posted On 23 May 2014
Comment: 0
“Nobody really cares if you’re miserable, so you might as well be happy.”
— Anonymous
Tip #6 – Get Away
Who hasn’t felt like throwing in the towel and giving up the fight?
The human body is very adaptable, but it needs to be recharged regularly and a short or extended break away from the challenges can result in a renewed sense of energy and focus.
There is a big difference between taking a “recharge break” and getting away — and running from the problem.
This can be as simple as getting away for a weekend or taking a week to lie on the beach in your favorite hot spot.
Whatever works for you, take the time to get away physically; by doing this you will be getting away mentally and emotionally from the challenges.
This simple tip can prevent burnout, stress, and health issues. Do your best to leave the job behind and understand the full mental, emotional, and physical benefits of just getting away.
Tip #5 – Never Stop Learning
We learn by reading, attending seminars, listening to podcasts, and networking. Visit your favorite website and blog every day and take notes. This is all part of learning.
Take the time to listen to others who have been there done that, and listen with the intent of learning from them. By learning something new, you take your mind off existing challenges and this can prevent you from getting into a rut.
Learn by watching others. We all have different ways of learning and by watching others during their challenging times; we can gain some valuable information that will help us in the future.
When you have information that is beneficial to the team, a sense of satisfaction occurs when you are able to share that information and help others become better.
You also learn by doing and if you want to be a great chief officer or firefighter, you must do.
Tip #4 – Face The Challenges
“I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never happened.”
— Mark Twain
Don’t run and hide from the challenges. Face your challenges head on and remember they are a part of life and it’s easy to make mountains out of molehills. Acknowledge the challenge and move forward to deal with it.
There is a sense of empowerment when you face the challenge head on. This mentality is no different than dealing with a structure fire. You acknowledge the problem and you make up your mind to deal with it and FACE IT HEAD ON.
When you do this, it becomes much easier to create an action plan to deal with the challenge. Again, just think of the way a structure fire is attacked.
Sometimes a challenge seems to be insurmountable, but the reality is it too shall pass.
It’s satisfying and motivating when looking back at the challenge and knowing you overcame it when you faced it head on. And yes, you can get that adrenaline rush from defeating the challenge because you were strong enough to FACE IT.
Article photo provided by Chief Gord Schreiner
Find all 10 of Chief Karpluk’s tips here:
