This March, we had an unexpected event at Access Counseling Group. If you joined us during the first week, you found loud fans, dehumidifiers, and wet carpet, as a pipe burst, flooding our office.
But you were also met with our committed staff, a quick action plan, and business as usual – just maybe in a different room. Thank you to everyone for your flexibility and patience during this time!
Unexpected events can be frustrating and discouraging and can distract us from our routines. It is easy during these times to make harmful or hasty decisions, hurt others with our words, or allow ourselves to remain in a state of sadness, anxiety, or fear.
One way we can improve our reactions and outcomes to unexpected events is to prepare. But how do you prepare for the unexpected?
- Practice the pause. During your day, take a big breath and count to five when given new information or before making decisions. Practicing a pause with minor issues will help when faced with larger, unexpected ones.
- Understand the big picture. Unexpected events tend to consume our attention. Before situations present themselves, think about the big picture and your place in it.
- Focus on the end goal. You are on a path, and everyone’s path is unique. Keep focused on your end goal so that you will stay on course when the unexpected arises.
Unexpected events will happen, but we can improve our chances of success by practicing the pause, understanding the big picture, and focusing on our end goal.
And our office? It will be back to normal soon. And we will all breathe a big sigh of relief.
Peace,
Erin Galloway
Assistant to Dr. Irene Little, CEO