Conquering the Post-Raya Holiday Blues: Tips from a Life Coach to Tackle Big Work Problems

The Raya holidays are over, and reality has set in as you head back to work. Perhaps you're dreading that big problem that's been looming over you, causing stress and anxiety. Don't worry, you're not alone. Many people face challenges at work after the festivities, problems that were put off because it was the festive season and nobody wanted to deal with it. Maybe it’s a difficult problem of giving notice to a non-performing employee. Or it could be giving the bad news of the withdrawal of major client from organisation. Whatever it is with the right mindset, attitude, and strategies, you can conquer them and achieve success. As an entrepreneur and now a life coach, I'm here to share some valuable tips to help you tackle that big work problem and overcome it with confidence and clarity.

1. Face the problem head-on: Ignoring the issue or procrastinating will only prolong your stress. Make a decision with your team. As painful as it is confront the problem directly. Break it down into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a plan of action. Taking the first step, no matter how small, will help you gain momentum and build confidence.

2. Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted colleague or mentor for advice or guidance. Sometimes, an outside perspective can offer valuable insights and solutions that you may not have considered. Remember, it's okay to not have all the answers, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

3. Stay positive and focused: It's easy to get overwhelmed by a big work problem, but dwelling on negativity or getting distracted by unrelated tasks won't help. Stay positive and maintain your focus on the problem at hand. Visualize yourself successfully overcoming the challenge and use positive self-talk to boost your confidence.

4. Break the problem into smaller steps: Large problems can seem insurmountable, but breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps can make them more manageable. Create a roadmap with clear, achievable milestones that you can work towards. Celebrate your progress along the way and stay committed to taking consistent action.

5. Learn from failure: It's okay to make mistakes or encounter setbacks along the way. Instead of viewing them as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Don’t beat yourself over it. Don’t repeat negative self-talk to yourself for example ‘what will people say, I goofed it or why is this happening to me of all people. Instead, reflect on what went wrong and what you can do differently next time. Failure is a natural part of the learning process and can provide valuable lessons that can help you overcome future challenges.

6. Take care of yourself: Managing a big work problem can be mentally and emotionally draining. It's crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain your well-being. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of yourself will help you stay resilient and better equipped to handle challenges.

7. Stay adaptable and open to change: Sometimes, the solution to a big work problem may require flexibility and adaptability. Be open to new ideas and perspectives, and don't be afraid to pivot or change your approach if needed. Embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, rather than resisting it.

8. Stay organized and manage your time effectively: A big work problem can quickly become overwhelming if you're not organized or managing your time effectively. Use tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and productivity apps to stay organized and prioritize your tasks. Break your day into focused, uninterrupted work periods, and avoid multitasking, which can decrease productivity.

9. Practice self-reflection and self-awareness: Take the time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to the big work problem. Practice self-awareness and identify any negative thought patterns or beliefs that may be hindering your progress. Challenge those beliefs and replace them with positive, empowering thoughts. Regular self-reflection will help you gain clarity and make more informed decisions.

10. Believe in yourself: Lastly, believe in your abilities and trust that you have the skills and resources to overcome the big work problem. Replace self-doubt with confidence and be assured you are the right person. Otherwise, the problem will not be on ‘your table’. This one small tip helped me a lot in the days I was face with problems seemingly too big for me to handle.  I focused on making one of these 3 decisions – 1) Deal with it and fix it 2) Bear with it and 3) Walk away from it.   I realised that as dramatic as the choices were,  I needed to focus on each of the 3 options and choose the one that was right for me as the decision maker. And I realised a lot depended on me Believing in Myself and facing the consequences of my decision.

As difficult as it is to get back to work, don’t forget it is your work that gives you the challenges to Grow. You are who you are today because of the Challenges you have overcome in the Past. Welcome back to work.