Last year, I decided to disconnect from blindly belonging to any political parties, religious affiliations, hyphenated “American” tags, friend groups, sports teams and have taken up a “Zen Warrior” mindset. I wanted to experience the feeling of letting go and looking at things from a fresh perspective—known in Zen as a beginner's mindset—without any attachments to preconceived beliefs. So far, it has been beneficial and liberating. Without pledging my allegiance to any specific tribe, I can now look at issues clearly without resorting to immediately taking sides. It does, however, frustrate people incredibly when I watch sporting events. I’d start out rooting for the New York Giants, then by the second quarter, I’d cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles. As the game winds down to the last few minutes, I’m likely to switch back again. Any true sports fan will say this is heresy, as I must pick a team and stick to it, come rain or shine. My theory is that if a franchise player can leave for a better offer or be traded by the owners, why should I remain stubbornly steadfast with my support? I’ll gladly trade myself to cheer for another team to entertain myself.
When it comes to work, I’ve tried hard to be Zen (admittedly, it's not easy). In my limited knowledge of this philosophy, you need to be in the moment and at one with the universe. Since I eschewed picking a religion team, my view of Zen—which really isn't a religion and more of a life philosophy or mindset—may be a little inaccurate. But it doesn't matter. To me, Zen is the art of remaining in the present, appreciating the moment and letting go of any baggage. Now, I won't take the rejection of a job offer so personally nor will I lose my mind when a candidate fails to show up for an interview. If I’m ghosted by someone, I'll attribute it to their issues and not take it to heart. I don’t worry about past slights and indignities since those doors have closed behind me. There is no need to be anxious about what will happen next week or in the following months, as it's not here yet. I focus on a conversation with a job seeker as if she is the most important person in the world because, at this point in time, she is. Hyperfocusing on one task at a time—and doing it well—has made me much more productive and calmer.
I’d suggest that you try this with your own work life. It's so easy to get ticked off when you’re passed over for a promotion, denied a raise and skunked on a bonus. How often do you cringe and feel your blood pressure rise when the boss walks into the room? Do you seethe when the work and responsibilities pile up and nobody notices how stressed out you are or even cares about your mental well-being? Take a deep breath, hold it and breath out. Clear you mind of the anger and bad feelings. Say a positive mantra such as, “I will use this lesson to inspire me to find a new job” or “I will help someone else out who is going through the same ordeal.” It's not worth getting yourself stressed out over something that will soon pass and you won’t remember 10 years from now.
Just as in Zen, you can’t have flowers without rain; there is a yin and yang to my new mindset. Unfortunately, as we all know, people take kindness and calmness as weaknesses in the corporate world. When they feel that you are vulnerable, people will try to take advantage of you. This is when the warrior part of the mindset kicks in. There are times when you have to boldly stand up for yourself and not take any crap from people. Yes, I get this is a departure from the Zen I previously preached, but please remember that I am not wholeheartedly ascribing to anything. You can’t take everything in stride and sometimes you need to go to war. Only when there is a serious matter should you get fired up. My thinking is that you can't be Zen if you are crushed by your enemy. You can't be calm when your career is burned down around you. Stand up to an obnoxious boss, immediately report someone who is sexually harassing a co-worker or stick up for a colleague who is being insulted and humiliated by a bullying executive. When you are passed over for raises, promotions and bonuses, demand answers. If they aren’t provided, make it clear that you’ll leave for a place that appreciates you. Speak up in meetings, stop a supervisor when he tries to steal credit for your work and fight back against unrealistic workloads and demands to work late and forsake pre-approved vacations.
By adopting this new Zen Warrior mindset, you’ll find that standing up and fighting back is as exhilarating as remaining calm, cool and collected with everyday nuisances. You’ll have a new lease on life and become a better person. Others will quickly notice the changes. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and delight in the attention you pay them. Co-workers will respect and applaud your courage to stand up and fight for not only yourself, but others in the office who need your help. Namaste and good luck in becoming the best version of yourself, succeeding at work and kicking butt when you need to.
