Are you out of uniform?
I don’t know of a company or corporation that doesn’t have a dress code. In fact, some positions are known by their dress code or uniform. It’s part of the branding process. It isn’t even a business perspective - have you ever seen a man dressed all in black with a white collar and NOT known what he was? (for the atheists, the answer would be “a priest”)
Another advantage of uniforms are that they hold the mystique to others as well as certain behavioral parameters. Police officers come to mind - there are strict codes for what actions and behaviors are allowed, tolerated or even encouraged depending on whether or not the officer is “on duty”
But there is another side to being in uniform. And my message today really only applies to those who are true “company” - they may or may not own the business, but they’ve bought into it - all the way.
And I’m not really addressing workaholics here (besides, that’s a pretty silly term anyway - is there even such a thing as “workahol”? I think Webster’s needs to get involved with that one.) What I am talking about are those people who have strong work ethics and morals. They have a sense of balance and they aren’t afraid to put full value forth to benefit their employer.
Have you ever found it difficult to relax after work? Do you find yourself gravitating towards business-related tasks as a bad habit of sorts - or as if you’re running on automatic pilot? Did you notice that you haven’t changed your clothes yet?
This is a psychological condition that affects many who have established a certain momentum in their schedule. The uniform, the brand, the persona, etc. is also a state of mind that becomes you. At the risk of being corny, your “work mode” is in many ways a different person altogether.
The solution is to change your clothes - in fact, have certain garb options that fit ONLY into “relaxing clothes” This habit holds true at the beginning of your day. If you’re not ready to start work, don’t start dressing the part too soon. The switch comes on once that last lace or button is done.
The necktie in particular has often been called the “corporate noose” (ever notice the similarities?) Sometimes that is all it takes to restrict the blood flow and turn off any relaxing thoughts you may ever have for the rest of your shift.
So take a moment to reflect upon your state of mind, your environment, and make the mental note to arrest your unconscious habits. Once you’ve made the change (literally) you’ll find that you truly have “clocked out for the day.”
Tags: advice, balance, business, Life, psychology, Teaching