A lot of us are returning to the office this month. And there are definitely good things about being back! It’s especially nice to have the opportunity to see coworkers in person again.
But transitions can be difficult and stressful. After a year and a half of working at home, it almost seems strange to be back in an office setting, wearing business casual clothing. (I miss my sweatpants!)
So I thought a little pick-me-up might be needed. And I know everyone loves cat videos. So I found one that was work-related. For fans of the TV show “The Office,” here is the opening credits sequence – but with a cat. Enjoy! And welcome back to the office!
Do you want to be happier and more successful at work? If so, you should act like a cat.
Cats are great. They’re smart, inquisitive, and determined. If they want to do something, like scratch the couch, they’re going to do it! They’re not going to let anything or anyone stand in their way.
They’re industrious, but they also understand the importance of relaxing and taking breaks. My cat, Gizmo, works hard at patrolling his territory and investigating anything that seems different or out of place. But he also takes time out to stretch and nap. Cats have good work-life balance.
Acting like a cat at work can help you to feel less stressed and more engaged. It can also help you to get more done and accomplish your goals. Here are a few things that you can do to act like a cat at work:
Get up early – Cats get up early, and it may benefit you to do the same. Research has shown that early risers tend to be more effective and productive, since people are usually more alert and mentally sharp in the morning. Early risers also have more time to get organized, eat a healthy breakfast, and start the day off right.
Don’t be too concerned about what other people think – Cats are very self-confident. If they want to sleep in their litter box, they’re going to do it – even if other household members might think it’s gross. Try to be like your cat, and develop a similar level of self-confidence. And if you get critical feedback, listen to what the person has to say and make adjustments accordingly. But try not to take it personally, and don’t let it get you down.
Take breaks and stretch – Cats can often be found napping and stretching during the day. They understand the importance of rest and relaxation. You should follow their lead, and take breaks during your workday. People need to take breaks in order to feel rejuvenated, energized, and engaged. Just stretching at your desk can be a great stress reliever.
If you’re determined to get something, keep working at it – Cats are really persistent. I didn’t even want a cat, but Gizmo wouldn’t stop hanging around my house. He was determined to move in, and he eventually got his way. You should try to be equally persistent at work. When you have a difficult or daunting project to do, perseverance is often essential. It pushes you forward, forces you to deal with challenging situations, and ultimately helps you to accomplish your goals.
Be curious about everything – Cats are inquisitive. And you should be, too! Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas, techniques, and ways of getting things done.
Many of us are working from home right now. And many of us have
a cat keeping us company.
Cats are great! They’re adorable and entertaining. But they
can also be a challenge sometimes. I know – I speak from experience. I live
with a cat. A very busy, inquisitive cat.
My cat is named Gizmo. And to be honest, he doesn’t really
pull his weight around the house. He’s not very productive. He doesn’t do a lot
to help me get my work done. Overall, he’s not the best coworker.
He likes to be the center of attention. He sheds on
everything. He’s kind of demanding. And he’s completely enamored with my
laptop. He likes to paw at the screen and walk on the keys. (See evidence
below.)
This can be a little disruptive. Those of you who are also dealing with small, distracting, cat-coworkers probably know what I’m talking about!
So what should we do to stay focused and productive? Author Maggie
Clancy suggests that we try the following:
Create a
space for your cat – Place a comfy pillow or a favorite blanket near the
area in which you work and encourage your cat to relax there. Make sure the
space is far enough from your work area that your cat can’t paw at your laptop.
Schedule
regular play times – Take breaks during the day to play with your cat.
You’ll be giving your cat the attention that he or she craves. The exercise
will be good for your furry friend. And it’s beneficial to tire your cat out as
much as possible!
Distract
your cat – Give your cat some things that he or she can play with while
you’re working. (You don’t want your cat to be bored. Cats get into trouble
when they’re bored!) A few toys and a scratching post should do the trick.
Try to be
flexible – As you probably know, cats tend to be a little unpredictable. So
planning will only get you so far. No matter what you do, there are going to be
days when your cat is grumpy and difficult. So in the end, you just have to
roll with the punches. Try to be flexible and make adjustments as necessary.
Good luck with your furry companion! And try to enjoy the benefits that go along with having a cat. Gizmo is adorable and lovable, and he has amazing cuddling skills. When he lies on my lap and purrs, it relaxes me. I don’t know what I would do without him. So even though he drives me crazy sometimes, he’s still so good to have around. He’s a real comfort, even if isn’t the best coworker!
Cats are pretty impressive. They’re often so naughty and destructive – and yet so adorable. So even if your cat knocks something breakable onto the floor, it’s hard to stay mad for long. Cats know what they’re doing. They make the most of their big eyes and fluffy good looks.
I have a cat named Gizmo. He decided to move in with me a few months ago. I’m kind of allergic to cats and I really didn’t want a pet, but Gizmo was very determined.
He’s cute, cuddly, loveable, and slowly destroying my couch by using it as his scratching post. He’s a mixed bag. But according to author Sabrina Kamaruddin, there’s a lot I can learn from Gizmo. She believes that cats have things to teach us about how to be happy and successful.
Here’s what you can learn from your feline friend…
You should ask for what you want – Cats don’t hesitate to ask for what they want. If they want food or attention, they will certainly let you know. And you should be the same way. Don’t be afraid to ask for the things you need to be more engaged at work and do your job better.
It’s good to be independent – Cats get things done, even when they’re alone. When I’m at work, Gizmo eats, sleeps, plays with his toys, and scratches my couch. He’s very productive! You should try to follow his example. It’s great to be able to work well with your coworkers, but it’s also important to be able to work independently.
Don’t be too much of a “people pleaser” – Cats generally aren’t very interested in pleasing their owners. They’re more interested in pleasing themselves. And I don’t think that’s entirely a good thing. You shouldn’t ignore the needs of the people around you. But you also shouldn’t ignore the things that you want or need in your efforts to please others. It’s important to find a good balance!
You should explore new things – Cats are inquisitive. And you should be, too! Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas, techniques, and ways of getting things done.
Don’t let your critics get you down – Cats are pretty self-confident. Even when you scold them, they just brush it off. Try to be like your cat, and develop a similar level of self-confidence. When you get critical feedback, listen to what the person has to say and make adjustments accordingly. But try not to take it personally. And don’t let it get you down.
