Habits of Happy People

Habits of Happy People

Whether it be coworkers or customers, sometimes certain folks are simply unpleasant.  We all know him or her – the work grump, the person in your office who is similar to a black cloud that blocks the sun.  Sometimes you encounter customers who are determined to make themselves feel better by treating you badly.  Those individuals who are intent on spread their negativity around are difficult to help.  It is always easier to assist those that are grateful for the help given to them.  As an example, while our Office Manager, Kourtni, was on her lunch break, one of our Recruiters, Roslyn, filled in on her behalf and answered phone calls coming to our direct line.  What Roslyn took from that experience was that those who called to speak with Roslyn were much less polite when they thought they were speaking to “just a receptionist,” as opposed to someone who they felt could directly help with their search for a job.

Here at ProRecruiters we assist all job seekers – employed or unemployed.  In some situations, professionals are contacting us during a highly stressful time, so it is understandable that their worries about their future may motivate their mood or behavior.  From an article at LinkedIn, Randy Kessler gives a good piece of advice regarding worrying about the future: “Worrying about tomorrow can prevent you from enjoying today. Be an optimist and enjoy the good, and know that the bad cannot last forever. And if it does, find other reason for joy. It will not only make you happier, it will make you more productive, more active, more inquisitive and more a part of this wonderful world we all share.”

A tip is to always be kind to who you’re interacting with, not only with a service that is trying to help YOU find employment, but in life in general.  You never know if you are going to be a person’s only pleasant interaction in a day, so smile at strangers, express gratitude, give to the less fortunate, and spread kindness like wildfire.  Your actions might even land you an interview or an introduction!  Kindness is free to give and you will be happier for giving it.  Jeff Haden, writing for LinkedIn, wrote a wonderful article that details habits one should acquire if they wanted to truly change their attitude, and maybe as a result, their fortunes.  To add to that, Andrea Shulman wrote a great article that relates habits one should cease in order to become a happier person.

When applicants come in to our office for their video resume, our Office Manager takes a first impression score.  They are scored on their Courtesy, Rapport, Attention to Detail, and Punctuality using a 1-3 scale, 1 being the highest and 3 being the lowest.  Remember that when searching for a job, first impressions are key because in most cases, perception is reality when all you have is a short amount of time to help secure a job.  How you conduct yourself once you land a job is also important.  You will spend at least 8 hours (one-third of your 24 hour day) with your co-workers, so it is important to be a positive source for energy as much as you can. 

Happiness is a decision.  Emotions are reactions, not reactions to direct physical causes, but to the way we perceive those causes.  Our emotions don’t reflect reality but the way we interpret reality.  Here’s to a Happy March!