Not all jobs are the same.

An obvious statement right? Except for today I'm splitting jobs into two distinct categories. Goal-oriented jobs versus task-oriented jobs. Specifically, sales jobs versus content creation type and fulfillment type jobs. 

There is a real mindset shift you go through when you switch from one to another. With many job types you set a task list of things you must get done, and you go do it. You can feel productive by checking things off the list every day. You are getting your work done and you can see the output of your effort in front of you. Sales is a goal-oriented job. You have a number you are striving for. A salesperson can make a task list of items to check off every day, but they can do that for weeks and not see success. If they aren't closing deals then there is the very real chance of feeling like you've accomplished absolutely nothing. 

The mental battle being waged is very different than other jobs. For instance, in a sales job you can spend entire days in email. And if you are having productive conversations, moving prospects through the pipeline, and managing relationships then that could be considered a very productive day. But in the mind of a salesperson, if deals aren't being closed and those numbers aren't being hit, it can be extremely discouraging to be stuck in that place. 

Seeing this process first-hand from both sides of the coin, I've realized just how important it is to find your own wins during the day and celebrate them. Between each role and person this will look different, but from what I've seen just in my very short time in the business world, it's extremely important. In any field that requires patience and playing the long game, you have to find a way to keep morale high on a daily basis. For some people these are management tactics like encouraging words, others like perks and workplace benefits, still others like incentives. The list of ways to get this done is long because every person works differently. 

But whether you are managing a team or simply a part of one, finding the small wins for yourself will go a long way in staying in the game mentally. If you go down the rabbit hole of discouragement then you can be in trouble much heavier than just work stress, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and a host of other problems. 

Here are some quick ways to do this that may work for you:

1. Strip a goal down into much smaller tasks and milestones. This way you are hitting smaller goals that will build momentum going forward.
2. Be on the same page with your manager/employees (depending on your role) about how you work best. What motivates you and keeps you going? Creating an understanding will facilitate a more productive environment as well as avoid conflicts that could have arisen otherwise. 
3. Know yourself. Find what motivates you and what will keep you out of the mental "red zone" of discouragement. 
4. Talk to people. Whether you have a close co-worker, a candid manager you can speak to, or a significant other you can rant to, have someone you can air out your frustrations to. Venting and complaining are two different things in my eyes. One can help, the other is purely negative. 

Find the small wins each day. It'll carry you through the losses to bigger victories. 

What are some ways you stay mentally strong when things may not be going well? Let me know, I'd be interested to hear them, especially those of you who aren't in business environments. 

On a personal note, the transition I talked about last week will take full effect this week, so it will be a wild one. Much coffee to be consumed. 

More good stuff (just one more)

My favorite YouTube channel is MrSuicideSheep. Disregard the name, it's an awesome channel for different types of electronic music. They recently released part 4 of their extremely popular "Taking You Higher" progressive house mix series. Excellent tunes for working, driving, or hanging out. If you are a prog-house fan you'll love this. CHECK IT OUT RIGHT MEOW.

That's it for this week. Cheers!

-Al