Is it okay to say that HVAC work is stressful? The pandemic and the ensuing quarantine didn't help the situation any, did it?
You've probably heard on the news that the quarantine has worsened mental health issues.
I've Been Depressed
I was depressed for 26 years. I have my suspicions on what caused it, but I can tell you for certain that what kept it going was an endless loop of negative self-talk, which was self-perpetuating.
You can't afford the luxury of a single negative thought. We're supposed to be our own best friend and biggest cheerleader. Many of us are the exact opposite. Negative self-talk is one of the worst habits you can have. If I said half the things to you that you say to yourself on a regular basis, we wouldn't be on speaking terms.
I re-programmed myself with positive affirmations. My understanding is that the subconscious is most open to suggestion while we're sleeping. I wrote a bunch of positive things about me (most of which were not true at the time) and spoke them into a recording device (you can use your mobile phone for that). Before turning out the lights to go to bed, I put the recorder on repeat play, with the volume turned down very low. About of month later, my depression was completely gone.
Negative self-talk is one of the worst habits you can have.
Not all the affirmations were about mood and positive thinking. Here are the affirmations I used:
I am positive. I am intelligent. I am successful. I am excellent with people. I am the top salesman in the company. I am the best technician in the company. I am wealthy. I make wise decisions. I am focused. I am healthy. I have excellent judgment. I am a good closer. I am confident. I project authority. I make excellent eye contact. I explain my findings in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. All my relationships are healthy. I am organized. I am good with money. I live a healthy lifestyle. I have a healthy mind. I live a well-balanced life. I am financially secure. I have a fine home.
I drive a nice car. I am calm. I keep my anger under control. I always behave appropriately. People admire me. I have excellent communication skills. I have a healthy diet. I am in excellent physical condition. I have the perfect waistline measurement. I have perfect blood pressure. I have my emotions under control. I accomplish my goals. I am mentally stable. People love me. I have an attractive personality. I attract wealth. I am enthusiastic about life. I am enthusiastic about my future. I feel good about myself. I set a good example for others.
I am serene. I love my live. People trust me. I am a good listener. I am patient. People always feel good when they're in my presence. I am cheerful. I treat others well.
In addition to re-programming my subconscious, I took the following steps:
- I got some toxic people out of my life.
- I was becoming a better closer, and it really cheers you up when you get way more "yeses" than "nos."
- Because I was closing more sales, I was making more money, and don't let anyone kid you, that'll also cheer you up as well.
- My sinus trouble went away.
A correlation has been found between chronic sinus trouble and depression. My depression began at the age 12 when I transferred from a brand new public school to a private school located in a dusty, mildewing basement of a church. I instantly developed sinus trouble, asthma, and depression.
My sinuses cleared up after I replaced my air conditioning and ductwork and installed every indoor air quality product available at the time. You could say that cleaning up my indoor environment literally saved my life, which is why I'm such an advocate for doing so.
So, take care of your mental health during this pandemic and lockdown. If you're feeling down, you're not alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Charlie Greer was voted "Favorite Industry Sales Trainer," has been voted the "HVAC Consultant of the Year" twice, and is a member of the Contracting Business HVAC Hall of Fame. Charlie can do video sales training with your HVAC residential replacement salespeople over the internet. For more information , visit www.hvacprofitboosters.com, or call 1-800-963-HVAC (4822). Email your feedback on this column or your questions to [email protected].