A few weekends ago I was a proctor for the SSAT test. This is a test that students take who wish to enter into a private school such as Lake Forest Academy where I work. Believe it or not, we administer this test every month and usually have a houseful of students taking it. We have repeats who are looking to achieve a better score, and new students not sure of what the exam entails.
Some of the students looked very nervous and anxious while others looked cool, calm and collected. It made me think about how we, as Administrative Professionals, are often “tested” and how we “look” when we are.
Now of course I do not mean “tested” as in sitting for an exam. I mean “tested” within our daily work life or even our home life. How prepared are we? Do we perform nervously or anxiously, or are we cool, calm and collected? Here are some tips to look cool, calm and collected when you are being “tested”.
- Stop judging yourself. When I am under pressure, I tend to talk to myself. Many times I will catch myself chattering negatively. Stop it! This will continue to put undo pressure on yourself. Do yourself a favor and quiet your negative chatter. Consciously choose to change the chatter to positive thoughts. Positive thoughts are your secret weapon.
- Surround yourself with your Inner Circle. Just like you should choose positive thoughts, you should choose positive people to be around. Avoid the negative Nellys of the world. It is more difficult to stay calm when you have doom and gloom in your ear. It will drain your energy and make you more anxious.
- Choose one! It is very easy when you are being “tested” to jump from task to task. Stay focused. Commit to one small task at a time and break down the large tasks into smaller tasks so that you can concentrate your efforts. Mistakes happen when you jump from one thing to the next. Take the time, choose one task and commit yourself to focus.
You have all the tools you need to keep yourself cool, calm and collected. You know them. I need to be reminded (often) of these three tips and once I remember, I take a breath and dig in.
Here’s to more cool, calm and collected days in 2019. You have got this!!!!
Jackie