Relationship-Solutions.net

We live in a remarkable time; communication, entertainment,
commerce, and work are evolving at a pace unheard of just 5
years ago. Multiply this with the need to stay current, to
learn new languages of business and technology, to absorb
information bombarding us from all directions and what do
you get? A searing measure of stress added to adult lives
already complex with too many responsibilities and personal
goals.

My clients, generally small business owners, tell me their
stress comes from too little time, too many
responsibilities and not knowing where to turn first. Sound
familiar? Stress can cuddle up and become your unwanted
companion. So, here are some very lo-tech tips to navigate
our modern world and minimize stress.

1. How do I handle everything on my plate?

Here’s a novel idea: don’t. Learn to selectively accept
requests; being asked doesn’t mean you have to say ‘yes.’
Use your power to choose. And remember: if you continue to
over extend yourself, you’ll minimize your ability to
handle those responsibilities you truly value.

Seek support. Find at least one person who will really
listen to you without judgment. The right family member,
friend, mentor or coach could be invaluable.

Stop trying to control every aspect of your life. We never
really know what will occur even in the next moment. Take
actions that move you toward your intended outcome and know
you will handle whatever materializes.

2. There aren’t enough hours in the day!

You think so? We all have the same 24 hours. Consider how
you spend them; is there something you can delegate or give
up? Make an hourly calendar of your week - be honest.
What’s draining the time you’d prefer to devote elsewhere?
Be aware of the Steven Covey distinctions between what’s
urgent and what’s important. Focus your attention on
what’s important, a little bit each day, and the need to
address the ‘urgent’ will diminish.

3. How can I avoid over-reacting when I’m stressed?

Envision your best outcome from the current situation and
write it down. What steps will make it real? I know you’ve
handled many stressful events in your life. How? Was there
something that can help your current situation? Even if you
didn’t choose what’s happened now, you can choose your
response.

Take time for relaxation and healthful living practices.
Don’t use the upset in part of your life as an excuse to
abandon healthy routines. These can anchor and support you
as other elements of your life are altered. You’ll cope
more easily.

Connect with your spiritual side. Use prayer, meditation,
reflect on spiritual literature. In the writer’s words you
may find an experience that mirrors your own.

Consider what difficult, lingering circumstance you’re
tolerating. What activities, situations or people literally
suck the energy right out of you? You know what they are -
why are you tolerating them? How you can confront and
resolve them?

4. What if I’m afraid I just can’t do the things I must?

The most insidious obstacle in our lives can be our own
self-view. Ironically, we’re often faced with circumstances
that reveal the hero in us, yet our own view about our
value and capability can be more flattening than a speeding
locomotive.

If you find you’re unable to replace ‘I can’t’ with ‘I
can’, try this: Get in touch with 3 people whose opinions
you respect. Ask them to email you weekly, with one thing
they admire and respect about you. Don’t ask mom or your
significant other.

What you learn about yourself may be surprising; this new
self-awareness will be powerful. Nothing is more
fundamental to overcoming obstacles than the belief that in
fact, you can. Use “I can” as your starting point and
you’ll find every one of these suggestions much easier to
put into practice.

—————————————————-
Andrea Feinberg, M.B.A., Certified Professional Behavioral
Analyst and Certified Strategic Business Leadership Coach
is a small business marketing coach. Andrea helps small
business owners make more money by day and sleep better at
night by maximizing the untapped potential they have in
their business right now. For a free gift, “The #1
Marketing Tip” please click here:
http://www.coachinginsight.com/free_gift.html

Tweet This Post