Remaining Productive When Life Throws You a Curve Ball

Life has a way of throwing a wrench into things at inopportune times. That wrench can be positive, such as a baby on the way or a big move to a new space. It can also be negative, such as losing a family member or getting into a car accident.
Whether it be positive or negative, big events in our lives cause stress and distraction. These roadblocks tend to require a lot of work and concentration. No matter what’s going on in our own lives, the world around us goes on, so how can we stay on our game during times like these?
In his article here, Darius Foroux provides some tips on how to remain productive when life throws you a wrench. We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites below, but be sure to read the whole article with the link above.
- Avoid tunnel vision: It’s incredibly easy (and understandable!) to become hyper-focused on the arising issue, and to let other things fall to the wayside. However, if you remember your other duties and responsibilities, you’ll be able to stay on top of your work. Create lists and reminders for yourself if you don’t already, and if you do, make more of them. Know that you’re going to be distracted these days, so set yourself up to adapt to that and keep moving forward. Additionally, work could even become a distraction from the issue for you.
- Take care of yourself: A healthy lifestyle is more important than ever during a transitory time in your life. Be a bit more mindful about what you’re eating and how much exercise you’re getting, because you’ll be able to function and focus more if you’re getting the right nutrition and moving your body. Another BIG part of this is sleep. Make sure you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep, because that tends to be the first thing to go when a stressful situation arises.
- Work whenever you can: Have an extra ten minutes in between meetings? Take that time to check your email, start a report, or any other job-related task instead of looking at your phone. Those moments add up, and you might be surprised at how much work can get done if you utilize them.
Image retrieved from Pixabay under the public domain.
Recent Posts

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of Year To…Stream Holiday Movies!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas, and the Holiday Season are upon us already. It’s been quite a challenging few weeks for many, and our team at Contemporaries, Inc., wishes you a healthy and happy holiday season, no matter what you’re celebrating. So, we are going...

Progress Not Perfection: How To Navigate New Year Resolutions
As the year winds down (didn’t it seem to just fly by?) it becomes natural and societally encouraged to reflect on the last 365 days, as well as goals for the New Year. While these reflections can often feel forced and can come with undue pressure (think New Year’s...

Thanksgiving: An Ode To Gratitude
It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving. No matter the connotations associated with this holiday, it is undoubtedly one that brings family together, is a pause in one’s working life, and a time - if you are lucky - for reflection, and safe hibernation. And, it’s...

The Limitations Of A Resume & How We Can Help!
In this modern employment climate, resumes are unfortunately no longer enough to land a job. This statement holds true even if you have a stellar one! Why? Well, they are easy to replicate, there is a strong candidate pool, and resumes don't always do enough to...

Trick Or Treat! Come & Change Your Thoughts With Me!
It’s almost that time of year again! Boo! While many of you are eagerly awaiting a weekend Halloween party, putting the final touches on your child’s costume, or stocking up on candy, we thought we’d create a new tradition honoring one of our favorite holidays. We’d...
Motivation Monday
Mondays can be tough. We’ve all experienced the “Sunday Scaries”. After all, the night before a work week can prove anxious. So, what can we do to relax, and get prepared? How does one show up alert, enthused, and rested? How does one set a positive tone for the week?...
Employment In The 21st Century: Social Media Dos & Don’ts
It’s inevitable by now that most of us have a social media presence, whether limited to Facebook, Twitter, or expanding into Instagram, even Tik Tok. And, of course, a LinkedIn account. Thus it can be easy to forget that many of these accounts - unless properly...
“Fall” Into New Patterns: Seasons & Personal/Workplace Transitions
Autumn has long been associated with change, growth (personal and professional), and transformation. Routines can shift with seasons. Fall famously ushers in growth and is ripe with metaphor. Just look at how leaves begin to change their colors. It all began with...
Treat Your Temp Job As A Rehearsal For Your (Permanent) Future
Want to know how to get your foot through the door for a future career? Try a staffing firm like Contemporaries, Inc. where 94% of our temps “go permanent”. That’s a staggering amount! After remaining on our payroll for several months contract employees become...
Affirmations: How To Overcome Self Doubt & Secure A Positive Mindset To Land That Dream Job
Here at Contemporaries, Inc. we know, first hand, how stressful the process of applying for a job (especially interviewing for that job) can be. And, even if you are prepared, well dressed, on time, and possess a strong resume and related work history, there’s another...
PART 2 (CLIENTS): Finding The Right Employee Goes Beyond Their Resume, or “Beyond The Page”
Similar to how a resume may be limiting for an employee trying to land a job, it can also be a constraining barometer for a client who is searching for their ideal future candidate. If that is the case, what is the solution? What else should a client look for in a...

The Limitations Of The Resume & How We Can Help
In this modern employment climate, resumes are unfortunately no longer enough to land a job. This statement holds true even if you have a stellar one! Why? Well, they are easy to replicate, there is a strong candidate pool, and resumes don't always do enough to...

Revisited: How To Warm Up Before Any Interview
With all of autumn’s transitions, one of those changes might be the opportunity to pursue a new position. In order to do so, make sure you’re keeping an open mind to the opportunities all around you, and practicing gratitude for the ones that come your way, especially...

Every Job or Assignment is an Opportunity for Success
In 2008, a movie titled Slumdog Millionaire hit the big screen and swept the Academy Awards as well as the British, the Critics’ Choice, and Golden Globe awards. The plot was complex and entertaining and centered on a young Indian man from Mumbai who knew so many...