This post originally appeared in our Startup Growth Newsletter.
When you work at a startup there are moments when you feel like King Midas himself and everything you touch turns to gold.
If we’re being honest, there are also moments that are the exact opposite. Moments when you feel like someone must be using your own custom Voodoo doll as a pin cushion.
When these moments happen, I am happy that I can go into the office.
I like working from home. I enjoy wearing sweatpants as much as the next guy. But recently, when the attacks felt like they were coming from every side, I needed to get out of the house and head into the office. It was a good decision for several reasons.
When I work from home it is easy to internalize every issue and make a mountain out of a molehill. But when I went into the office, I was able to talk through the whole situation with my teammates. Sometimes just saying something aloud helps minimize its hold over you — especially when you talk with people who fully understand what you’re going through.
Also, realizing that you’re not alone and that other people are feeling the same way can help galvanize and rally a team. A group that feels it is them against the odds can be a force to be reckoned with.
By the end of my day at the office I had realized an important lesson: There are many things that I cannot control. But what I can control is how I react to them. That subtle change of perspective was huge for me, and I don’t know if I would have gotten there on my own.
For anyone who is running their company fully remotely, I would love to hear how you approached these types of situations virtually. Please let me know at adam@york.ie.
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