Four Wonder Woman tips for when the rug is pulled out from under you

You know those days in work when everything seems to go wrong - that the rug has been pulled out from under you? That day when a colleague who has been supportive makes a u-turn and puts the blame on you undeservedly and unexpectedly? Or when a boss sends an abrupt email pointing out a mistake you’ve made and exposing your weaknesses? Or when you get that email saying you didn’t get the job or that promotion?

We’ve been there! It’s unsettling, disorientating, and undermining. It can dash your confidence and make you want to retreat into your shell or reach for the pot of ice-cream. We’ve learned some great techniques for dealing with these types of knocks that we’d love to share with you and we know you’ll find helpful.

1. Go outside for a walk. Getting outside is fantastic at helping to give you perspective. The exercise, fresh air, and connection with nature is immediately rejuvenating and allows an much-needed diversion from a difficult situation.
2. Reach out to a friend. There’s nothing like a good moan on the phone or over coffee or a glass of wine with a good friend to help bring perspective to a situation. It helps dissipate stress and tension and it’s always good to have an excuse for a natter with a pal.
3. Immerse yourself in quality family time. One of the best things about family is they are completely absorbing of your headspace - whether it’s older children needing help with homework, a toddler needing full supervision in the bath, or a sibling or parent looking for help or advice. Family time is great at pulling you out of the world of work and keeping you firmly grounded in the wonders of life.
4. Remind yourself of your wonder womanness. Keep a record of positive feedback in an easily accessible place and re-read it in times like these. It can be too easy to wallow in self-pity and think you are terrible at every aspect of your job when the rug is pulled from under you. Instead focus on the positives.

Once you’ve given yourself that time and perspective - things always appear different. Once you come back to the issue in question - use the perspective you gained to rethink the situation and make a plan for moving through it. We guarantee you that the above techniques will assure you of a better outcome.

​Did you know we have a range of CV, interview and LinkedIn services for professional women? Click here to find out more