Recently, I traveled to a nearby fire agency to assist with state testing for firefighter certification. I am fortunate to count many members of this organization as friends and as brothers and sisters in service. I always enjoy the opportunity to spend time together.
While we were gathering, discussing various topics, and solving problems between training evolutions, someone asked me how I stay positive and keep driving forward. The observation was that nothing gets me down, and I genuinely love what I do. While half of this observation is accurate—I do LOVE my work and consider it an honor and privilege to share the fire service with others—we all experience struggles. Challenges in leadership, staffing issues, personal difficulties at home, financial strains, emotional struggles, and other reasons can weigh us down. After all, we are human and ride the struggle bus periodically.
The key point here is that the fire service is not unlike any other job, organization, hobby, or activity we choose to be part of; there are significant highs and profound lows. It ultimately comes down to outlook and attitude, especially when facing highs or lows.
The high points of the fire service are easy to navigate. When things are going right, it's simple to overlook difficulties, ignore the negatives, and be gracious toward those who need it because "things are okay" at that moment.
Challenges arise when circumstances could be more favorable. This could relate to any facet of our lives—home life, the firehouse, finances, etc. The situation can worsen when one struggle multiplies into two, then three, and before we know it, everything seems to turn into a brown, smelly sandwich.
We tend to become unreasonable at the firehouse more quickly than in other parts of our lives. Why? Because we deeply care about our work, take pride in it, and find it hard to accept struggles and failures. Simultaneously, we can point fingers, assign blame, and hold others accountable when we feel challenged.
So, how do you maintain perspective and avoid getting "wrapped around the axles" when things don't go as planned?
Many of you know that Chief Alan Brunacini shared immense wisdom with the fire service, and one principle I strive to emulate daily is to "take care of Mr. and Mrs. Smith." While it's easy to get bogged down by everything happening in the fire service, I regularly refocus my attitude by "keeping the main thing the main thing." I can get passionate about many issues, but if what's happening negatively affects our ability to serve Mr. and Mrs. Smith, it's time to rally and fight for what's right. While such significant events occur, they are relatively rare, and it's crucial to work collaboratively toward quick resolutions—fix the problem and move on.
In addition to significant incidents, the little things often drive us crazy. I want to clarify that I don't mean to downplay the importance of "the small stuff." However, we must remember the wise saying, "Don't make a mountain out of a molehill." Suppose the truck does not get washed or the trash is left full. In that case, it's essential to address these issues non-confrontationally, emphasizing the need for everyone to contribute and ensuring it doesn't happen again.
Many forget that getting "wrapped around the axles" often stems from failing to address concerns and resolve issues proactively. As part of our proud traditions, the fire service also has a culture of complaining about everything. Because of this, we tend to lose perspective, fail to prioritize problem-solving and overlook the importance of actively working to resolve issues. Sitting around the kitchen table and complaining is much easier than engaging in constructive problem-solving to improve things. After all, what will we talk about at the kitchen table if everything is going well? By addressing concerns early, we can prevent them from snowballing into more significant problems, giving us a sense of control and proactivity.
Remember, attitude is a choice. Every morning, we decide how we will view the day ahead. Challenges will arise as we navigate through our day—this is inevitable. However, we ultimately choose how we let these challenges affect our attitude and outlook. It is not someone else's fault if we become upset or take our frustrations out on others due to feeling wronged or frustrated with leadership. Even if those feelings are justified, we still have the power to choose our response. This power of choice empowers us to maintain a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances.
When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by frustration, keep these key points in mind:
1. **You choose your attitude!** From the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, you can decide how to approach the events of your day. Your attitude can be positive or negative; that choice is entirely yours.
2. **Don't let the small stuff snowball into big problems.** When a minor issue arises, address it immediately while still manageable. Procrastinating can lead to increased stress and significant conflicts later. You can maintain a positive attitude and prevent unnecessary stress by taking control early.
3. **Stay focused.** Keeping your priorities in order is essential in both your personal and professional life. For many of us, these priorities might include:
- God
- Family/Self
- Career
Keeping these priorities in order will help you concentrate on what's important. If you find yourself drifting away from these priorities and struggling, refocusing on them can help you get back on track. Staying focused on these priorities will keep you centered and aligned with your goals, even in the face of challenges.
4. **Give yourself and others grace when you fail.** Everyone experiences failure at some point in life. We often see ourselves, our colleagues, and the public at their worst in public safety. If you're struggling, allow yourself some grace to acknowledge it and take steps to improve. When others are in the same position, offer help and encouragement instead of criticism. Together, we can strive to "leave it better than we found it," extending grace is a great way to do that.
If you feel frustrated or lose your passion for helping others, remember you're not alone. It's common to feel this way, especially when things aren't going as you believe they should. But that's part of the journey in public service.
What truly matters now is how we can improve the situation. Get involved, care about the outcomes, and aim to be part of the solution rather than the problem. Check your attitude and choose to be optimistic about your work. A positive attitude enhances your enjoyment and leads to better outcomes.
Consistently applying these principles will improve your outlook. This enhancement comes from actively pursuing positive actions and striving for better results.
Remember, both you and others will still encounter failures. When this happens, offer yourself and others grace, then refocus and work each day to "leave it better than you found it."
