Have you ever been through a bad day that was turned around because a friend randomly decided to say hello? Have you ever felt a sudden wave of productivity or a clearer head after sharing something that was bothering you? Having this sense of connection with others, whether as a support system or just laughing at a meme together, is important and should be valued. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more evident how having these kinds of interactions can greatly improve well-being. This is something that I personally felt as a member of the Positive Workplaces team through our check-in and check-out culture.

I’ve always believed that people are inherently good. That in the general scheme of things, as leaders, we tend to lean towards the positive in influencing others towards a certain goal. I remember one of my friends, Coach Lippy, telling me, “John, wala naman atang tao na pagkagising ng umaga, ang unang ma-iisip ay maghasik ng lagim” (Translation: John, I don’t think anyone wakes up in the morning with the intent of spreading doom).

Sometimes we feel unmotivated to do anything and get stuck in a pattern of procrastination. We often feel that what we’re doing is not enough, or that it’s not meaningful work. Everyone feels this way at some point in their life, and it really is frustrating when that happens. This article will delve into the ways you can get out of a rut and live the life you want to live.

What started as an endless cycle of exhaustion, cynicism and inefficacy is now replaced with energy, optimism and efficacy or what can collectively be called as engagement. Although addressing burnout is a shared responsibility between the individual and the environment he or she works in, there are tools and strategies available that you can use to take back control. Which one will you use?