Kudos! WebJunction Classes; "Six Foolish Fishermen"

News & Views, September 2009 (mp3 file; 5.5 MB; 5:54 min.)
Kudos!; WebJunction classes; "Six Foolish Fishermen"


You're all seeing a huge increase in the use of your libraries--more people using computers, more people checking out books and videos, more people looking for information about how to deal with the tough economic times, just more people through the door. I know that you're happy to help those who are trying to cope, but I'd also like you to be sure that you're considering ways to help YOU to cope with increased workload and the stress that accompanies that. I'm not a psychologist or self-help expert, but here are some things I've noticed about my job as a librarian, and one way in which I help end each day on a "up" note, so the next day I can start new.

Our jobs are similar enough in nature that I suspect you'll also find that, no matter what you have planned to do on any given day, the day takes on a life of its own and you come to the end of a day in which you've been really busy, but haven't checked off anything on your "to do" list for the day. To be sure, you've helped your customers, which is the priority of your job, but what about all those other, behind the scenes things that you needed to get done? It feels like the day has somehow slipped away.

Here's something I've been trying over the past few days; see if you think it might be something you might try. I'm a list person, I admit, and this is rather "list-y" but hopefully not obsessively so. For the very last activity of the day, as I'm closing up shop or driving home, I think of one thing during the day of which I'm most proud, or most happy to have accomplished. It might be something to do with customer service, or something to do with getting a report done, or the computers updated....it doesn't have to be monumental, and the rest of the world doesn't need to know what you've chosen. Some days my thing would seem pretty insignificant to anyone else. End the day with remembering an accomplishment, and a pat on the back. Clear everything else off your mind. The day is finished, you did all that you were able in that time and, darn it, you did a good job. Note to self: Congratulations! Good work! Then you can start the next day remembering that you ended the day with a positive, so you can start the next day on a up note, knowing that you'll be finding another positive at the end of the day.

It's a small thing, but I'm finding that "clearing the decks" and not fretting over all that I DIDN'T get done, but rather something that did get done, helps me start the new day fresh and more energized.

Let me know how YOU stay upbeat--I know you're all customer focused and doing a great job out there; what keeps the smile on your face throughout the day?

Remember: Note to self: Well done!

Links from today's podcast:
WebJunction Iowa