It’s hard to manage your emotions at work when you take things personally.
But when you’re in the following circumstances, it’s easier said than done:
- You are in the midst of launching a large project and are averaging 4 hours of sleep per night.
- You gave it your all on a project but your colleagues are tearing it to shreds.
- You are taking care of a sick parent and you’re getting sweated by a high maintenance client because you are slow to respond.
- A colleague/customer is being curt.
All of these moments make it feel as if the world is trying to destroy you, but in corporate rarely are things personal. We are all out here to work hard, earn decent money, and take care of our loved ones. Instead of driving yourself crazy or making it into a “why me scenario” it’s best to take a step back and depersonalize the situation so you can think clearly.
Take a walk before responding to feedback you think is off base, or before hitting send on that draft message give yourself 24 hours to think about it. Then come back, reassess the situation.