Have you ever found yourself waking up and just hoping to get through the day? It might be a busy day or a day that you know will contain tense or unpleasant situations. It might also be a day that is followed by a better or easier day (like Friday or the day before a vacation). I have found myself in this situation too often lately. On the one hand, it’s the reality of human existence – sometimes the grass is greener on the other side. On the other hand, wishing a day away is probably and indication that something needs changing (like one’s attitude toward things).
It would seem to me that certain days and situations are going to be a drag regardless of the mental calisthenics you use. However, there are many situations that can be improved by approaching them with a different mindset. I doubt there isn’t an on-size-fits-all solution because the prescription must fit the patient and the ailment.
In my life many of the situations I dislike are ones that involve spending longer periods of time with groups of people particularly groups of people I don’t know too well. The worst situation is attending a conference where you probably won’t know anyone. This scenario for me (and probably many on my list) could probably be significantly improved by doing the opposite of what I think I should do (ala George Costanza). My inclination is to keep to myself, keep my head down and look busy. However, as I think about the situations where I initially loathed them and then left liking them, I would go out of my way to meet strangers or acquaintances. The reality is there is nothing to lose when you are with people you will rarely or never see again. Why not take a chance?
I think the above scenario for me can be applied to many things on my, “I am not looking forward to that list.” Doing the opposite or at least something different than what my instincts tell me to do. Digging a little deeper, for me, my instincts seem to guide me to appear or to be least vulnerable. Perhaps if I focus on enjoying taking more risks, my list of un-enjoyable things will get shorter.
Am I representative of others? Does anyone out there either not have days they want to get over and/or a proven mechanism to cope with the least pleasant days and events of life? Would you agree that wishing days away is a situation that indicates there is a problem?
