Do you remember a Christmas where you got THE gift you hoped for?  You begged, pleaded, wrote Santa more than once, prayed every night – it was definitely obvious to everyone.  Then the morning came and there it was!  Joy of joys!

Now do you remember where you left that wondrous gift?  Is it even in your possession anymore? 

How quickly we change.  Even as adults, too many of us look for the bigger, better deal or the new shiny object.  A wise person once said that a free man has nothing.  Somewhere between quality of life and poverty lies the balance.

A career is much like that.  I’m not speaking about how much money you should make, but the vocation that gives you a reason for getting out of bed.  With as short as life is, we should all have one.  But a very precious few are actually “living the dream.”  Or, they work hard to get where they think they should be, only to find it lacks luster relatively quickly – just like the Christmas gift.

Even the deeply-reflective, carefully-planning, “eyes wide open” career holders can wind up in a rut.  I remember many investigations, correspondence, job shadows and soul searching about “what I should be when I grow up.”  Granted, many interesting people still don’t know at 50.  I just happened to decide at 7.  And yet, I still have many experiences that prove to be the “job” part of “living the dream.”

So it’s about shifting your focus, isn’t it?  Remembering why you are where you are and reflecting on the more romantic and even honorable aspects of the job.  Embracing your purpose and posting reminders of it everywhere, if need be.

Just like your diet, you can’t eat junk food all day every day.  You’re going to have to ingest some fiber sometime.  Recognize that any position is going to have “brussel sprouts” – as long as you’re not spending your whole day eating them.

Onward and upward!

“I don’t wanna play anymore.”

“I’ve gone many miles.”

“I’m too old for this.”

These are statements made when our endurance is shot.  Often times there is no warning, we just hit the wall.  Whether it’s mental, physical or emotional, there is no negotiation, no denying it, we just need to take our ball and bat and go home.

But what if you have no choice?  Have you ever been in the situation where the “bonk” happens in the morning?  Maybe fatigue sets in and it’s only Monday?  It’s a scary realization – like the nightmare about finals and you didn’t study a bit.

In the pendulum between joblessness and American overworking, it’s a commonplace reality.  Whether it’s blue collar or white collar, the results are measurable – lower productivity, lessened contributions to the collective, even the effect it has on co-workers and general morale.

I ascribe 3 levels of “bonk” along with some suggestions to reverse the effects (granted these may not work for you, but hopefully will get your mind going in the right relative direction) and these do not include actual medical concerns – if you think you need to see the doctor, it’s a good instinct.  Men in particular ignore a problem until it’s too late.

This plan is to make a list of all the things you’ve taken for granted and what you’re going to do to re-fuel.  They generally fit into 5 categories – nutrition, fitness, romance, hydration and rest.  How you translate these categories into your own life’s basic needs is up to you.  In my world for example, it’s pretty obvious that if I’m tired, hungry and/or haven’t worked out recently, I’m going to be worthless.

So are you:

Dull – there’s nothing left.  You’re a dead horse.

The fix (for now):  1) Take your break and power nap.  15 minutes undisturbed somewhere acceptable is a great jump start; 2) Hydrate.  Water is best, at least a good mug full;  3) Move around.  circulation is momentum and it generates energy and ideas.  Don’t ignore ideas at this stage, but expect them to be very basic – even primal.  Who knows, it may be exactly the thing you need right now.

Dulled:  The daily grind is showing – not quite vacation time yet, but “where did my “IT” go?”

The fix:  Recognize – are you a morning person, a mid-day person or a night owl?  Working outside of your brain chemistry is a no-win situation.  Keep track of your peak energy and idea hours for a week – you’ll see a pattern (Use of coffee doesn’t count.  Your prime time is with-or-without it.) Once you’ve established this pattern, work your day around it.  If possible, look for opportunities that fall within your brain clock.  It may be a new career is in order.  If your work doesn’t hinge on a flow of ideas, plan the more challenging tasks accordingly instead.

Dulling:  The momentum is suffering.

The fix:  It could be a sign of things to come.  Establish the pattern and what may be causing it.  Maybe you simply didn’t have a good breakfast.  Maybe you need your coffee as a ritual.  Maybe a change of pace or tasks is in order. 

In short, do not neglect your basic needs!  Too many ignore the effects of dehydration and sleep, and those alone cause the majority of “bonking” issues. 

And if it’s time for a vacation, take it – and don’t bring work at all!  I don’t know any employer who wouldn’t trade an efficient, productive employee for one operating at only 25%

As children, most of us had the fantasies about grandiose, heroic or romantic careers like doctor, firefighter, something with animals perhaps.  I never met a second grader with a practical plan – honestly, did you ever play “manager” as a kid?

But as we grow, mature, and illusions are spoiled, the plan changes.  The “paying the bills” jobs become the focus.  We’re burdened by what can seem to be  a prison sentence at times.  Some are even relegated to the “lifer” stigma.  I imagine that most people are not where they dreamed they’d be as a child.

But I write this to give encouragement and hopefully help you to see that even where you end up may be your destiny – and a good one at that.

For many work is just a means to an end.  The dreams shift to a different category.  For example, there is honor in being practical, responsible, providing for a family, etc.   For many, what work can provide as a lifestyle is the dream. 

There is honor in the product of your labors as well.  I’m thankful for many who provide essential goods or services - God forbid those goods or services stop.  Can you imagine your life without clean water?  Yet who dreams of working in the treatment plant?

Sometimes, the point is not about you at all, but the impact you have on others.  If you’re in charge, are you promoting a positive work environment?  (and by the way, if you’re in a positive work environment, have you thanked those responsible?)

So keep a focus on a bigger picture than your own cubicle.  There is always something to appreciate, be thankful for, or look forward to every day. Both negativity and positivity have power to affect not only your health and immediate environment but a ripple effect beyond your understanding.  Your legacy is in your choices.

Money is one of the fastest moving things on this planet.  Often spent before it’s earned, it definitely holds a fragile existence in many lives.  To too many, it is the all-consuming god and to others, it’s a tool (the latter is a much healthier perspective.)

In either case, one cannot be too careful with it.  As a business owner, you have to constantly ask yourself  “what is the return on this investment?”  Advertising, marketing, promotions, p.r. and appearances, networking, memberships, and so on all create a formidable wrestling match for the dollars.  We’re torn between what is good business and what is good relationship building.  Too often, the latter is the winner.

Specifically in the area of promotions and networking, it comes down to knowing your market, knowing who to talk with about future business, and generating relationships with those key people. Cold calling is a waste of time – referrals are what you want to generate.

So is the networking group filled with those people or just people-who-may-know-someone-who-knows-someone?  (Don’t be afraid to ask them!)

And is the convention filled with people who are looking for you?  Or is it filled with people who may-or-may-not-someday-need-someone-like-you?  In which case they won’t “save your information” because they won’t even remember why they saved it in the first place.

And what about that great advertising spot in the yellow pages/directory/t-shirt?  Who will see the ad?  Would you look for your business in those spaces?

You may answer “yes” or “no” to each of these questions, but all too often dollars are thrown away for the naming rights to a stadium instead of just giving customers a good deal.  Too many times you’ve been “everywhere” and it’s sensory overload.  Your message is lost.

When in doubt, ask your leads and customers where they found you in the first place.  You may be surprised at just how affordable marketing can be.

It’s almost cliche’ thanks to the famous marketing campaign, but it’s a good challenge nonetheless.  Have you been heard or just listened to?

Many of us confuse “hearing” with “listening.”  When we check for understanding, especially in the download at many business meetings, the nod is all we look for.  It’s a pack mentality.  No one wants to admit weakness - who wants to admit they don’t “get it” and risk being the only one?  And when it’s crucial information and you can’t afford for the team not to understand, you need assurance.

Take a page out of a school teacher’s book – ask direct questions to confirm that everyone understands it the way YOU want them to.  Leave no doubt in your mind that the expected material is retained.  Check for note-takers, ask for an e-mail recap from select individuals – even solicit their opinion on the meeting.

You may even notice trends towards your leadership style in the way everyone responds.  Are you a leader your team feels comfortable discussing concerns with?  Do you promote leadership qualities in your team – such as questioning directions and challenging ideas?  Build character, not sheep.

Now tell me what I just said……