After the Gumdrops and Gingerbread...

Catching our breath after the holiday whirlwind can be tricky.  It seems that we are all programmed to be full of gingerbread spirit and have gumdrop attitudes while gift shopping for those that we love, are obligated to and for those whose names we drew in the family pool.  Now that January has arrived, it seems as though merchants have put away the gift wrap and are struggling with the dilemma of how to deal with the excess inventory or seasonal items that they must now deeply discount to move off the shelves.  As consumers, we are all waiting to see the balance statements on the credit cards and accumulating the pile of “return” items that we will be forced to deal with.  How can we carry some of that seasonal bliss beyond the Holidays?  Many of us are dealing with the harsh weather of the winter season that always seems to have more bite to it after the New Year.  We are back in the semester of school and classes and thinking about that daunting task of doing taxes. 

Is it possible to still have that “feel good” experience?  I am a believer in the concept that we only get what we expect.  I keep this in mind when I have to dig out the gift receipts to give to my daughter so that she can return all the “unfashions” that I purchased her.  I keep this in mind when I start gathering all of my business expenses to compile a report for my tax accountant.  If I expect the experience to be awful, it probably will be awful.  So, then I have to devise a plan to stay positive and try to let that outlook impact those that I deal with in the hopes that it will spread beyond my direct contacts.  I use the SERVICE method for many situations, and want to share that with you as it applies to this situation:

S – Smile – This can be the melting point and really make an uncomfortable situation much better.  When you initiate a smile, you set the tone and usually a smile is returned back to you!

E – Embrace the situation, whether it is a New Year, taxes or something else.  Be excited for new things and adopt the attitude that you will try to learn from each opportunity. Have an open-mind meet someone new or try something new…who knows what your next adventure might be.

R – Respect – Each person has a different perspective and different goals in situations, be mindful of others and what they believe and need.

V – Validate the feelings and needs of those you communicate with.  Let them know “I understand you would like to return this, was there something else that would meet your needs better?”

I – Innovate – Be creative in your solutions to situations.  Instead of returning an item, maybe think of how you actually can use it.  Maybe trade gifts with a friend…think outside the box and the options are limitless!

C – Communicate with those around you in each situation.  Let them know what you expect, what questions you have and listen to what they say so that you can relate to them and successfully reach your goals.

E – Encourage the golden rule by practicing it!  Remember, you have the power in most situations to determine how the other person will react by how you treat them…use a positive approach!

By exercising these steps over the first quarter of the New Year, I hope to have less-stress and to deal with situations better.  I encourage you to consider these steps or create your own that will be easy to remember.  Have a great New Year and remember we all make the world go around.