When You Are Down, Depressed, and Angry

GL Hoffman

I am with you ... sometimes "it all" makes me want to kick a small animal. (Jk, PETA, jk. A figure of speech.)

Here's what to do instead:

Don't wallow in it. Maybe you are the kind of person who loves to stand around and play: "Ain't it awful, ain't it awful?" or, worse, its cousin: "(insert names here) are just stupid and awful." That's fine. I just know that when I do that—when I speak ill of something or someone—I feel diminished and worse. If you think it's "venting" and therefore good for you, great. Do it by yourself.

Self-talk and good stories: We all know someone whom we can call because they are like sunshine pumps for us. They pump sunshine into our lives and actions. Call them ... or even better, resolve to be one yourself. It's counterintuitive, maybe. Nothing works faster than being extra nice today. Go out of your way to pass along a compliment on a job well done, smile more, give bigger tips, and be extra polite.

Work harder and smarter: I guarantee you that someone at your job is watching how you are performing under whatever stress you are feeling. Here's the secret: It is not only your boss—your coworkers are watching, too!

Change something today: Go for a walk at lunch instead. Drink tea instead. Call your mom instead. Don't eat so much tonight instead. Read a novel instead.

Pass it along.

G.L. Hoffman is a serial entrepreneur and venture investor/operator/incubator/mentor. Two of his companies have traveled the entire success path from the garage to IPO. Currently, he is chairman of JobDig, and his blog can be found at WhatWouldDadSay.com or at JobDig.com.