Stress vs. Pressure

We have all felt it, the constant dread of anxiety. Stress or stress-related activities can consume us mentally as well as tax our physical condition. What can we do to deal with these situations? There are some who advocate a meditative approach, but sometimes our stressful times and activities can be met head on.

Often, we have the answer to these stressful situations. For instance, if we are stressed about our financial position (behind on bills, no savings, losing job, etc.), we must ask ourselves if this is a “self-imposed”situation. In other words, did you create this problem? If you created the problem, you can create a solution. Meet with your creditors and set up a plan where you can get your bills up to date. Once you have a plan, stick to it. If you have no savings, set up a plan for how you can start a savings plan. Begin with small, regular deposits and increase the amounts as you have the means, but set a specified minimum amount and never allow yourself to miss it.

Do you see a theme? The best remedy for stress is preparation. Simply stated, we are most often stressed by the things for which we have not prepared. Perhaps you are stressed because you don’t have enough time to do everything that needs to be done. This stress is not caused by the totality of what we need to accomplish but because of our time management.

Here are some things we can do:

1. Have a plan. Write things down. Simply by putting pencil to paper, you have put yourself in the top 10% of productive people. Make a list at the start of each day of what you need to accomplish, would like to accomplish, and must accomplish.
2. Prioritize the list. Start with the highest priority and work through the list.
3. Focus on your list. You will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment each time you can check off one of your “to do” items.
4. Practice this daily, not just when you get behind. It all boils down to repetition. Repetition leads to confidence.

Confidence is the difference between pressure and stress. Pressure makes you more focused and more motivated because you are confident. You are confident because you have prepared.

Stress causes anxiety and fear of failure most often because you have not taken the necessary steps to ensure your preparedness.

Expect to be successful because you have built your confidence through preparation and repetition.