Workplace
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Don't make the same mistake twice, which will knock out 90% of them.
knock out 90% of them
one person who lived it
When making a request, always provide an easy way for the other person to decline.
It shows respect for their time.
one person who lived it
Break your workday into equal hourly parts, reserving the top of each hour for a specific activity like stretching or checking social media to make the time feel shorter.
It shifts your focus from counting down long hours to looking forward to the next short interval.
one person who lived it
Drop negative thoughts and focus on positive ones while working to become more absorbed in your tasks.
It helps you get lost in your work, making the day pass faster.
one person who lived it
Ask colleagues for help; they often feel good about answering questions regarding their expertise.
People around you are happy to help and feel good when they can answer questions about their expertise.
one person who lived it
Avoid high-risk problems that require large sacrifices but frequently fail.
Repeatedly making large efforts into failing high-risk problems causes burnout.
one person who lived it
Thank people for their help both privately and publicly.
Being perceived as annoyingly grateful is better than not expressing thanks.
one person who lived it
Tell coworkers explicitly that you did not sleep well to reduce their expectations and reduce conflict.
Communication is key.
one person who lived it
If your job involves waiting periods with minimal tasks, keep a portable hobby like crocheting to occupy yourself.
- This is based on one person's experience as a nanny during nap time.
one person who lived it