Most days at work are good, solid days. Some are even great days- – when you're extremely productive, getting along easily with your comrades and customers, celebrating a major “win”, launching a new product, or enjoying a key landmark.

But now and then you have one of THOSE days.

You know the ones I’m talking about. Everything- – or so it seems- – goes utterly, hopelessly, and completely WRONG. Plans fall apart. The wheels drop off on your most critical initiatives. Your clients are beyond mad, and your work-mates are either downright noxious or mind-bogglingly useless. Some days, it seems like you’ve suddenly stepped into the perfect storm of workplace unhappiness.

Is there any way to make horrid days better?

Usually, it’s merely a question of surviving and giving a mental knuckle-bump to Scarlett O’Hara or Little Orphan Annie, who both were clearly convinced that they could think about it tomorrow, when the sun would come out, tomorrow (bet your bottom dollar). And one of the best ways to help in getting yourself through stormy seas is by opening up your fan file.

You do have a fan file, don’t you? Or a brag box? A cheer chest?

Ah! You are not alone. Most of us never take a few additional seconds to tuck away kind words for a stormy day… But what a change it can make when you do! When it appears as if the sky is falling, they can provide a little bit of shelter from the storm and give you some much needed perspective that can help you remember that blue skies will be right ’round the corner.

All you need is a dedicated storage plan. It can be a plain manila folder, a cardboard box, an attractive basket, or a special drawer inside your desk or filing cabinet. The most important thing is that it’s a location where you can fling things as they appear during the days and months ahead. Be keeping an eye open for things that you can add to this special place: a cheery card from a pal. A print-out of an encouraging e-mail. A scribbed piece of paper where you noted that good thing your customer said. A copy of the kudos you’ve received from your bosses, colleagues, or work mates over the years, whether in formal letters or electronically via LinkedIn or your website.

When you invest the time to recognise the encouragement and support you receive- – and to stick these things away for future reference- – you put a deposit in against those dark days, a deposit that’ll be there when you need it most. A friend, it has been noted, is “someone who plays back your song when you have forgotten the words.” Your fan file is an ever-present friend that can help carry the tune… so why not start one today?

Based in Atlanta, marketing consultant Marie Elwood runs a Christian consulting firm that helps companies grow their business by getting a better understanding of their consumers.