Returning to Work: Starting the Year with Purpose

Returning to Work: Starting the Year with Purpose

Some of the expressions you hear in the office in January are quite negative. People talk about the 'January blues' or 'back to the grindstone'. You might even hear colleagues say they're 'dragging their feet' about returning to the office routine.

However, I like to be far more positive. In January, I want to 'hit the ground running' and go 'full steam ahead' to achieve my targets (remember - I decided these in December) and goals for the first quarter and the year ahead. It's also a perfect time to 'seize new opportunities' and 'start the year with a clean slate'.

Approaching the new year with enthusiasm helps create momentum that can carry through the entire first quarter. When we frame our return to work positively, we're more likely to identify and capitalize on fresh opportunities for professional growth and team success.

Strategic Planning Tip: If you didn’t set your key objectives in December, don’t worry! It’s still not too late. Do it now and kick off the new year with a bang!

Understanding Office Expressions: January Return-to-Work Edition

Let's break down these common workplace expressions to enhance your business English vocabulary:

Negative Expressions (try and avoid these but you may hear them):

• 'January blues': A feeling of sadness or low motivation that people experience when returning to work after the holiday season

• 'Back to the grindstone': Returning to hard, routine work - comparing work to the monotonous motion of grinding grain into flour

• 'Dragging their feet': Moving or acting slowly and reluctantly, showing unwillingness to return to work

Positive Expressions:

• 'Hit the ground running': To start a new activity with great energy and enthusiasm, being immediately effective

• 'Full steam ahead': To proceed with maximum speed and effort, derived from steam-powered engines operating at full power

• 'Seize new opportunities': To actively take advantage of new chances for success or advancement

• 'Start with a clean slate': To begin fresh without being affected by past problems or mistakes

• 'Kick off the new year with a bang': To begin the year with impressive actions, achievements, or results, suggesting a dynamic and impactful start

Understanding these expressions can enhance your professional communication and help you recognize both challenging and optimistic perspectives in the workplace.

Strategic Application: Consider incorporating these positive expressions in your team communications to encourage an optimistic mindset during the transition back to work.

Turning Problems Upside Down: The Power of Inversion Thinking

Have you ever solved a problem by thinking about what could go wrong? This approach, called inversion thinking, was made famous by Charlie Munger, who was one of the world's most successful investors. Munger once said something fascinating:

This clever way of thinking shows us that sometimes, knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to do.

Who is Charlie Munger?

Charlie Munger worked alongside Warren Buffett as the Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, one of America's largest companies. Known for his sharp mind and practical wisdom, Munger helped build the company into a global success story by focusing on avoiding mistakes rather than just chasing profits.

Learning from War Experience During World War II

Munger worked as a meteorologist (weather expert) for military pilots. Instead of just asking "How can I keep pilots safe?", he asked:

He identified two main dangers: ice forming on the planes and flying too far from safe landing spots (risking running out of fuel). By making sure to avoid these risks, he helped protect many pilots' lives.

Real-World Business Application

When running my motorsport business, I applied inversion thinking to maintain healthy operations. Instead of simply asking "How can I make more profit?", I asked:

One clear answer emerged: insufficient stock. By calculating that I needed to purchase at least one car per week to break even, I created a strategic buying plan. This approach helped me focus on the critical factors that would prevent business failure, rather than just chasing sales targets.

Using Inversion to Learn English

Let's apply this thinking to language learning. Instead of asking "How can I improve my English?", ask yourself

You might think of:

• Giving up English classes

• Speaking only your native language at work

• Never practising English outside of class

• Being afraid to make mistakes

• Avoiding English emails and meetings

By understanding these barriers, you can create better habits: attend weekly classes, speak English whenever possible, practice regularly, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and actively engage in English communication.

Making Inversion Work for You

Think about your current challenges - whether in business, learning, or personal life. What actions would guarantee failure? Once you know what leads to failure, success becomes clearer.

Remember: sometimes the best way forward is to first understand what to avoid.

Poll: What’s your biggest challenge learning English?

Word of the Day: Inversion

Inversion - noun:

1. The act of turning something upside down or inside out

2. A reversal of position, order, or relationship

In business context: A problem-solving approach where you think backwards from your goal, focusing on what could go wrong rather than what could go right.

Related terms:

• Invert (verb)

• Inverse (adjective/noun)

• Inversely (adverb)

Do you have any Business English Questions?

Please email me and I will do my best to answer them in future newsletters.

Until next Wednesday - have a great week!

Iain.

www.communicateenglish.com