It’s 2:00 pm on a Friday. Your phone rings — Your biggest client has an emergency that will require (a lot of) weekend work.

Which mindset will you most likely bring to the work?

“I have to deal with this.”

OR

“I get to handle this.”

[For our purposes, assume it’s a real emergency, not created by your client, nor ignored (they just found out)].

Yes, the mindset you have around this work matters. Here’s why:

Mindset #1: "I have to deal with this."

Your negativity bias is in full swing…

“Ugh, how will I possibly get this all done over the weekend? There’s not enough time. What if things go sideways?”

It’s now a threat. Fear kicks in. Perfectionism takes over.

You want to control everything, so you can’t possibly delegate (no one else will get it “right”). And you second-guess everything.

By Sunday night, you’re mentally exhausted. And a little resentful.

You can’t help but worry you missed something (but hey, you got the job done… Or did you?).

Mindset #2: "I get to handle this."

“This isn’t what I was planning for the weekend, but it’s necessary and what I’m trained for. And honestly? It's kind of interesting. A real problem to solve. Not boring. I enjoy challenges.”

You prepare thoroughly, but know when to stop.

No spiraling. No over-questioning. Your curiosity and interest have brought forth real confidence.

You know what you need to be involved in and where others can help. And you've pulled others in for assistance. You trust yourself and your team.

By Sunday night, you’re tired (after all, you worked much of the weekend). But you’re also proud. And a bit energized by that. You’re ready for Monday.

Same situation, different mindsets. Completely different experience. [And probably different work product, too].