Finding good in a bad day

There have been some days when, as soon as I step my foot into the door of my workplace, everything just seemed to go BAD.  Decisions to make with no good options, conflicts to manage, unexpected fires to put out, and so on and so on.  I've been quick to label these days as bad and write off the whole day.  As a result, I usually dragged that bad day with me all the way home and created havoc in my home environment (which should have been my sanctuary).  What have I learned after too many "bad days"?  There are 24 hours in every day--it is a rarity for every minute of that 24 hours to be spent in disaster, so I decided to stop giving my whole day up to a "bad" label and start looking for the good things that happened in or came out of that bad day.

1. Did I demonstrate my leadership skills by making a tough decision, solving a problem, or coaching someone else to solve a problem?
2. Did I take a step towards a goal today, even if it were a small step?
3. Did I accomplish a task today that was urgent, whether expected or unexpected?
4. Did I establish or build a relationship with an employee, peer, or supervisor today?
5. Did I learn something new today? (Even if it was what NOT to do in the future!)
6. Do I have my health?
7. Do I have my job?
8. Can I still find something to smile about or celebrate?

Not every tough day deserves a bad day label.  In fact, it is the tough days that defines us as leaders.  Practice looking for the silver linings and remember that your 24 hours is not completely defined by the hours you spend working.