What should you be willing to ignore?

Focus is such an important thing, it helps you pay put your attention on what really matters and to ignore other things of little consequence. But in the workplace there are several things that can distract you and stress you out. Here are some common occurrences things I suggest you learn to ignore;

IRRELEVANT WEAKNESSES: Most people are more concerned about fixing their weaknesses than building their strengths. If an area that you are weak in is not a critical competence for your job, minimise it otherwise whilst you spend time fixing your faults, your work is not getting done.

ADDICTION TO APPROVAL: A pat on the back will lift anyone’s mood but always needing a dose of validation from others in order to feel that you are doing something right is a false sense of security . Overcome your need to please everyone with the intention of getting approval. Don’t depend on others to feel good about yourself or the good work you do and don’t crumble if you don’t get a much deserved recognition or praise for something you have achieved.

OFFENSES AGAINST YOU: These will happen, a colleague will offend you or you may take offence at someone else sometimes even without the person knowing. When offences happen ignore them; if you can’t the deal with them promptly and then draw a line under them. Don’t hold grudges in the workplace. They drain your energy and can hold you hostage to yourself.

ADVICE THAT DOESN'T WORK: People mean well and especially in a nurturing environment people will volunteer free advice. Don’t reject it out of hand, reflect on it and feel free to ignore advice that you believe will not work for you and just plain inappropriate. Disagree with it without being disagreeable.

DRAMA AND MORE DRAMA: A thousand things can cause tension and drama in the workplace, personality problems, people who often find themselves in the midst of controversy, the rumour mill, gossip. Stay away from people with a negative attitude. When it comes to venting about your personal problems, set boundaries and avoid the urge to confront others over everything you are unhappy with.

Now take action: What little thing are you blowing out of proportion at work?