I Want So Badly to be Good at my Job,

so I've got to make a few changes, right now!

1. I need to be more patient. Machines sometimes slow down or malfunction. I need to understand that most tasks will take much longer than I want them to, because rarely does life run smoothly. I can only do what there's time to do, and getting mad at myself won't make me more efficient, it'll just make things unpleasant for me and for others.

2. I need to remind myself, always, of the things I do right, and to remind other people, too, sometimes. In other words, I need to offer myself more encouragement & take heart, and to keep firmly in mind the lovely compliments I've received since I started. (I need to give my officemate a Valentine's card.)

3. I need to keep my chin up, because in the long run I can't please everyone. If another person is displeased, I might not have the power to affect what has caused the displeasure in the first place. And if that's the case, I simply can't let that bother me — though I'm a very responsible person, it's irresponsible to blame myself for what I can't even control. But I can be as kind as possible because really, I value kindness above all else.

4. I need to remember, always, that I can't possibly excel at a skill that requires years of practice and knowledge to learn. In other words, I have to remember my limitations and accept that though I strongly desire to be excellent, I'm still acquiring abilities.

5. I need to let go and trust other people and delegate. This I know I can change because we have an assistant now and I already trust her. Still, though, I could do better.

6. I need to remember that there are a number of things I don't need to change and that overall, I really am good at my job. My impression of myself matters, too, and it even makes a difference.

(Am I boring you? Am I being kind of corny? Well, sorry, but this blog is about ME!)