Every now and then is it possible you have a bad day? A day when you’re grumpy, forgetful, bored, lazy, or just…intractable? 

Alternatively have you ever had the experience of having a boss or client who is demanding, nit-picky, second-guess-y, or just….incomprehensible? 

My advice to you in these moments? Fire yourself.

What do I mean by this?

Well, suppose you are the one finding work….mysterious….leading to a manifestation of the symptoms mentioned above. Does it serve your boss or your client – and, most importantly, does it serve you—to do your work in a half-a***ed manner—with a bad attitude to boot?

(B/t/w, now can be the time to ask, “If I were in charge, would I fire me?” You might be surprised by the answer.)

On the other hand, suppose your client or boss is – how to put this tactfully….—in a mood? Is it the best use of your time and talent to keep on keeping on with the crazy?

In both scenarios: unlikely.

So, what does firing yourself look like?

In a dream world, it looks a lot like you picking up your personal items, sending along a note to those affected, and popping on a plane to Tahiti.

What does it look like in real life?

Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the situation, it can fall anywhere on a spectrum from stepping out to take a walk around the block to—literally—drafting that note releasing yourself from further aggravation.

My point is: mentally firing yourself – even for a few hours—can help you recognize the difference between a bad mood and a bad situation. 

And once you know that, you can take steps to do something about it.