Everything was going just fine until you got that email or phone call that put you on an unwanted trip to Stress-ville. As a PR professional, your job is to keep everything together– you’re reassuring clients that they’re awesome, extinguishing fires (real or fake), and dealing with some pretty ornery characters we sometimes call reporters (we love you still). A fun cocktail of unfortunate events suddenly turns your good day into a bad one, and you can’t seem to get out of the funk.
Have no fear because we’re here for you. Did you feel the e-hug we just gave you? It happens to the best of us, especially when we’re trying to be perfect. We’ve created a small survival guide to help you put that great smile back on your face, because honestly, no one wants to be around you when you’re like this. Read on for a few tips on how to turn your frown upside down ASAP.
Breakdowns Lead To Breakthroughs
First, acknowledge that there was a breakdown. Once you’ve done that, we’re going to stay on this positive path here and let you know that breakdowns often lead to breakthroughs. Life sometimes launches pebbles or huge rocks at us to teach us a lesson. When something pretty terrible happens, like some of these PR fails Inc put together, we leave knowing what not to do. And once that happens, guess what? You’ll probably never do it again.
Sent a reporter the wrong pitch? Send an apology email and build a new relationship. Did you lose a key opportunity for your client? Find another one and make it even bigger. Have a make-it or break-it meeting with a client that leaned closer to break-it? It probably wasn’t for you in the first place. We all have our path to success and to get there we have to take the winding, muddy and slippery road so we can feel a sense of satisfaction when we finally arrive.
Smile
Easier said than done, we know, but it’s been proven that when you smile, it sends a message to your brain that everything will be okay. Last week we gave you a few reasons to smile with our roundup of the best places to find PR and marketing jokes. So, if you lose a key client, yes, you may want to curse and throw something but don’t let that affect you too long. Take a break to find something that makes you laugh or smile. I often find myself talking to my funniest friends on Gchat or watching my favorite Vines. If you’re not a Gchat fan, Lifehack also has some tips on smiling and laughing, and how they can really make you a healthier person.
Step Away From The Computer
We’ve all seen the viral videos with people slamming their keyboards into their screens. Don’t be that person. Sometimes it’s important to take some time away from the thing stressing you out the most. If most of your frustration is coming from your computer or your phone, walk away from them and get in a peaceful zone. Psychology Today even suggests treating yourself with your favorite food or a book. Taking a few minutes or an hour away from the source of stress can help clear your head and give you a new perspective on the situation you’re dealing with. You may even be able to come back with a smile on your face.
Still Having A Bad Day?
Guess what? You’re only human. Whatever you’re going through will subside– with time, a few apologies, some understanding and hopefully a good laugh. Figure out what went wrong and get out of your own way. Press the reset button, maybe even take a nap for awhile – but remember to keep on keepin’ on and start over the next day. “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”—Robert H. Schuller
Do you have any tips for getting over a bad day? Let us know in the comments below!
