Reset (Part 2)

In part one I discussed how my team came up with a code word to signal to the rest of the team that they need a moment to reset their mindset.  When our mindset is not open and ready for communication, we need to change that.  We chose the code word “reset” as our signal to the team.  In this blog I am going to discuss how does a person actually “reset” after you said, “I need a reset”.  These are just a few ways I reset.

1.)    Breathe.   We tend to hold our breath when we are overwhelmed and frustrated.  Breathing slows everything down and allows you to clear your brain.  If we hold our breath because we are upset about something our brains are not clear and open for communication.  Our brains need oxygen.  As a school principal, I am constantly in a state of emotional influx.  From dealing with an angry parent to a child coming to read to you because they are proud of their progress.  A leadership coach once told me to center myself through breathing deeply in between these large influxes of emotion.  I also had a friend come into my office once and place a stickie note on my phone that says “breathe.”  It reminded me that before I answered that phone to breathe and clear my brain. Stop.  Breathe.  Reset.

2.)    Find a Quiet Place.  For me that’s the bathroom.  I go in there, wash my hands, use the bathroom, dry my tears, breathe, straighten myself up.  I have my little pity party and move on.  Sometimes it’s a quick cry or a look in the mirror at myself.  A little self-talk too.

3.)    Listen to Powerful Inspirational Music.  I like to do this in my car. I take a quick drive to get some lunch or a ride around the block.  Blast some music.  Sometimes your reset is not coming from something difficult but going into to something difficult and you need a clear mind.  Maybe you need to reset your confidence level.  You might need to be inspired.  The one song I listened to when I needed to prepare for a difficult meeting was “Dig Down” by Muse.  Blast it loud.  Sing Along.

4.)    Pray or Meditate.  This is always a good time to correct your self-talk from negativity.  We can’t problem solve very clearly when we are in a negative mindset.  Reverse that self-talk to something more positive.  Kind of like, “Stop it Wendy, you got this, c’mon girl’!

I am sure you do have ways you reset.  Identify your ways to reset.  It may be a walk or exercise.  Either way it’s important to find your ways to reset and go to them when needed.