How To Develop A Sense Of Humor  When Everything Goes Wrong!

By Jeanette M. Coon, A.I.C.I.

Editor of Star Qualities and Tips From The Image Coach

 Have you ever had one of those days?  Somehow, no matter what you do, everything seems to go wrong. Those of you who have been following the Star Qualities newsletter and Tips From The Image Coach know that I have had many such days. I like to call myself “technically challenged”. But let’s face it! – I am more than challenged when it comes to the computer. I am hopeless!  Firstly, I put everyone on my list under CC (carbon copy), not knowing that everyone would receive everyone else’s e-mail address. (Now I know – use BCC!)  Next, I get accused of  “spamming” because someone forgot who I was after they gave me their business card and said to send them the newsletter! Here comes the angry mail! Just when I think I have it all together, I put everyone’s name under BCC (I’ve learned my lesson!), BUT I forget to fill in the space TO, so once again everyone receives everyone else’s address. More angry mail! I could weep! I am an etiquette teacher, for heavens sake. How can this be happening?  But what I’m learning from all of this is: (1) I need to hire someone else to send out my e-mails as quickly as possible and (2) I had better learn to have a sense of humor about it. I’m going to pass on some tips that I have learned that have kept me from having a complete nervous breakdown over this computer situation. 

What DO you do when everything goes wrong?

1. Ask yourself this question? What is the worst that can happen? Usually it’s not as bad as you think.
2. Think of it this way – You’ll have a great story to tell! Rehearse your story. The worse it gets, the funnier it will be.
3. Visualize how you are feeling. If I were a cartoonist, I would draw a woman weeping hysterically  - her head down on her desk in front of her computer. I tried to find a picture like this in my clip art collection, but no luck. I would have sent it to you.

After you have done these things, you will once again be able to put it all in perspective. At least you will have reduced your stress. It’s hard to have a nervous breakdown when you’re laughing! – Unless of course, you can’t STOP laughing!

07/17/01