Feeling Fat Just Got A Whole New Meaning

By Brian Maynor

 

We all have fat days when we feel less attractive, pulled-together and polished than normal, but earlier this week I was clued into an entirely new meaning to the phrase ‘feeling FAT’.

A recent article on HBR.org, How Your State of Mind Affects Your Performance, reports the findings of a long-term global research project on how your mental state relates to your performance and I found it a little coincidental that the anagram FAT was used.  It captures so many different meanings that are all related.

Here ‘s a recap of the findings of this great article that you should remember the next time you’re feeling FAT:

1.   The new definition of FAT.  Frustrated, Anxious, and Tired are common feelings we all have and it comes as no surprise that they have a direct impact on our productivity.  While you can have short-term successes these feels do not promote long-term success and they are more common in certain groups of professionals.  New professionals, working up the ladder with little or no tenure are prone to feeling FAT, as are men generally.  So what are your options when you’re feeling this way?

2.   Change your attitude.  The report surveyed business leaders and they all stated it was hard to go from feeling FAT to feeling CHE (Calm, Happy and Energized) but the first step was to realize how you’re feeling.  You can’t work through the feeling until you first acknowledge it.  Once you recognize it one of the best practices to help jumpstart the transition is to seek out meaningful conversations.  Pep talks are a good thing and it’s okay to seek them out when you need them.

3.   Breathe.  Deep, steady breathing is proven to reduce stress, clear your mind and help you focus, but it also helps promote a feeling of contentment.  Whether you have to close your door or walk to the bathroom take a timeout to regroup.  Along with lowering your blood pressure it can help fill that empty feeling inside.

4.   Change your environment.  In addition to leaving a stressful situation, this means actually changing our environment.  Cluttered desks, bright lights and climate-controlled spaces are just a few stressors to feeling anxious and tired, but we also have some control over them.  Clean workspaces, music, natural light and environments are big influencers of a positive mood.

5.   Feeling good starts with you.  How we treat ourselves is the leading factor in how we feel.  Whether it’s looking in the mirror or scrutinizing our work product we are often our own worst critics.  Combat those feelings by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.  Three common and proven steps to feeling happy, healthy and energized.

We all have bad days and as long as they are the exception, not the rule, their impact will be fleeting and manageable.  It’s when you start having more bad days than good that the problems begin.

 

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.