Television makeover shows are all the rage these days: home makeovers, body makeovers, and extreme makeovers are just a few. But the best makeovers are the ones initiated on the inside.  Most of us are doing more with less these days.  Because of that, we need a HUMOR MAKEOVER to help us have less stress and more fun!  A humor makeover doesn’t cost a thing, is painless, and requires no recovery time.  The results are amazing! You’ll have a happier, healthier, and more productive 2006.

To get started on your humor makeover, you’ll need some tools for the process:

1.  MAKE A “GOOD MOOD” COMMITMENT – Commit to being in a good mood for the first two hours of the day.  You don’t have to act like you are in a good mood, just say you are.  When people ask you how you are, just tell them you’re in a “really good mood.”  Watch their curious reactions. People aren’t used to others saying something this positive, and it catches them off guard. You’ll be amazed at how this good mood commitment at the start of your day can alter the rest of your day in a positive way.  Don’t believe it?  Give the two-hour good mood commitment a try!

2. GO ON A SECRET MISSION – A physical break can be a mental refresher.  When you’re feeling unmotivated or stressed, grab something that looks like work—a file or a clipboard—so you have something in your hands, and take a two-three minute power walk to nowhere! Try not to giggle as you briskly make your way around your office and back to your desk.  You’ll find when you return that you feel more energized and are able to focus on the task at hand. Going on a “secret mission” is a great way to take a much needed break and get the blood flowing once again to help your productivity.

3. PUMMEL PET PEEVES – Your societal pet peeves are those common sense things we think people should know, but don’t. For example, some of my no-nos are people clipping their nails in public, snapping gum, or putting toilet paper any way but over the top of the roll. The reality is, however, that we all have different “common sense” rules, and this variety creates a lot of unnecessary stress. Sometimes before you even start your workday, you’ll get angry simply because a driver didn’t use the turn signal or wouldn’t get out of the left lane on the highway.  When a peeve has been committed, make up a story about the rule breaker’s past. Don’t tell the offender this story; it’s just for you. For instance when people don’t use their turn signals, instead of getting mad, think to yourself: “Aw, those people didn’t have enough money to get that option on their cars.” Perhaps some of your difficult clients are not taking their medication regularly, making them a little cranky or irrational. You just don’t know what triggers behavior. By making up a story about others' behavior, you can have more compassion for people. Sometimes, your story might even be correct.

Breathe deep and use some of these tools to add more humor to your day.  You’ll be amazed at how good a humor makeover can feel.