Bringing Your Best Self to Work: How to Create a Positive Workplace

Let’s face it, some days are harder than others. Whether you’re dealing with sleepless nights, personal stress, or an overwhelming workload, there are times when showing up as your best self feels nearly impossible.

But as a leader, this is when your impact matters most. Your team is watching you, and your energy will set the tone for the entire workplace.

When you show up as your best self, you’re not just doing it for you. You’re doing it for your people. As a leader, your attitude, energy, and mindset ripple through your team. People take their cues from you. 

If you’re walking into the office with a bad attitude or letting negativity take over, guess what? Your team is going to feel it. That energy can spread faster than a wildfire, and before you know it, your whole team is off course.

But here’s the flip side: if you show up with a positive attitude, even if it feels a little forced, your team will follow. Leadership isn’t just about making the big decisions; it’s about showing your people what it means to keep moving forward, even when the going gets tough. 

So, how do you show up as your best self when you're running on empty, or when life feels like it's throwing everything at you? 

It’s all about mindset and choices. Let’s dive into why bringing your best self to work is essential, and how you can do it (even when the odds seem stacked against you).

The Power of a Positive Mindset

One of the simplest (and most powerful) things you can do is maintain a positive mindset. I’m talking about the kind of mindset that stays focused on solutions instead of problems. It’s easy to get bogged down by the negative side of things. There’s always something that can go wrong, right? A client’s upset. A project is behind schedule. You’re running on fumes, and nothing seems to go right.

But here's where the power of mindset comes in. Every single setback is an opportunity to grow. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, even when we don’t see it in the moment. 

So, when things aren’t going as planned, instead of focusing on the problem, ask yourself: What’s the lesson here? What can I learn from this? What can I control in this situation?

This shift in thinking helps you navigate tough situations and it sets a powerful example for your team. 

When you focus on solutions, others will follow suit. It’s not about ignoring the difficulties; it’s about choosing to face them with a mindset that empowers you to find a way through.

How to Bring Your Best Self to Work

I’ll be the first to tell you that bringing your best self to work every day isn’t always easy. There will be days when you don’t feel like it. There will be days when you’re exhausted, frustrated, or just downright burnt out. But this is where leadership separates the good from the great. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to show up.

So how do you do it? Here’s my best advice:

1. Own Your MindsetIf you want to bring your best self to work, you have to own your mindset. And yes, it starts before you even step into the office. Start your day with intention. How are you going to show up? What’s the attitude you’re bringing into the day? You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control your reaction. Choose positivity, choose resilience, and choose to be present.

   
   

2. Dig Deep for Your Why When the going gets tough, you have to dig deep and remember why you do what you do. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What drives you? Maybe it’s the impact you’re making on your team. Maybe it’s the purpose behind your work. Whatever it is, hold onto it. When you remind yourself of your “why,” you’ll find the strength to power through even the most challenging days.

   
   

3. Be Real, Be Vulnerable Leadership isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about being real. There’s no shame in acknowledging that you’re having a tough day. Be open with your team. Let them know you’re human. But here’s the catch: don’t stay there. Acknowledge it, and then pivot back to action. Your team will respect you for your vulnerability, but they’ll also look to you for strength. Lead them through the tough times.

   
   

4. Focus on the Small Wins When everything feels like it’s falling apart, find one win. It doesn’t have to be big. It could be a small victory, like getting through a difficult meeting or tackling one task on your to-do list. Celebrate those small wins, because they’ll remind you that you’re making progress—even when it feels slow.

   
   

5. Take Care of Yourself This one is non-negotiable. You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re running on empty, take a step back. Whether it’s taking a walk, meditating, or getting enough sleep—do what you need to recharge. Your team will benefit from you being at your best, so take care of your physical and mental well-being.

   
   

Creating a Positive Workplace

As you continue to show up as your best self, you’ll start to notice the shift in your team. They’ll begin to mirror your energy, your mindset, and your resilience. A positive, growth-oriented work environment doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts with you. 

It starts with you choosing to show up, day in and day out, and lead by example. When you do this, you’re not just creating a productive workplace; you’re creating a space where people feel empowered, supported, and ready to rise.

Remember, leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being real, and leading with intention. So, dig deep, choose your mindset, and get ready to lead your team to new heights—because when you bring your best self to work, everyone wins.