Controlling Stress At Work
If you wonder why your business is not as successful as it could be, look no further than stress. In an article for Forbes, YouTuber Lawrence Jones argues that stress can contribute to lost productivity, poor decision-making and even emotional or physical burnout.
Despite the dire consequences of workplace stress, many people who aren't aware of the problem tend to give in to it rather than doing what is necessary - controlling their reactions to change. It's time you break this cycle by taking a few steps that will help you get ahead of your business' stresses and take control:
- Accept that things change constantly in life and they don’t always go smoothly. Your business will experience its fair share of changes. This can be frustrating, but it is also essential if you want your company to grow. Look at the bigger picture and don't focus on the negative. Being stressed about change doesn't help you prepare for it or handle it in a productive way.
- One of the hardest parts about change is that we can't know exactly what to expect. You should plan for what you are able, but remember that things may not happen as expected and you'll need to change your plans along the way. This is normal and will help you stay positive about future changes instead of worrying or panicking.
- Take time to look at your big picture. If you allow yourself to get caught up in the problems of the day, you will not do a good job at planning for your company's future. After a frustrating day, take time to focus on what is most important for your business, physically and emotionally. Spend some time alone so you can clear your head and rejuvenate.
- You should never let stress or other emotions lead you to make rash decisions. Instead of being emotional about an issue, wait until things have calmed down and then take action based on logic and reason rather than emotion. When you are stressed, it is harder to think clearly.
- Take time for yourself. When you're tired and emotionally drained, it's easy to make bad decisions that might destroy your business. If you make good decisions, it will be easier to have fun and enjoy your business.
- Get the help of a professional if you feel that your stress is getting out of control. Many people don't realize how much their business is affected by work-related stress until they get help in dealing with their situation. A therapist or counselor can give insight on what you need to do to calm down and focus on the most important things in your business.
- Look to the past and future in order to see things through a more positive or at least neutral lens. If you have a negative view of the future, it will be harder for you to plan for it. You should also look to the past. If something has happened in your company, think about what went right so that you can improve on that.
- Always be prepared for change. If anything unexpected occurs, like someone leaving your company or an employee getting fired, be ready with an action plan and support team that administers it effectively. You should also always be ready in case there is suddenly a change in your industry or customers' habits.
- Focus on making the most of your time, especially when you are stressed out. When you are worried about what you’re going to do with the time you have left before an important meeting or event, it is less likely that you will be able to get everything done and have fun. Try to make the most of your time by spending it on things that improve productivity and morale, like exercise or playing games with your family and friends.
The best way for someone in charge of a business to stay motivated is with positive thinking. Stress has a huge negative impact, but if you are able to accept that it is there and take action, you can control your situation, improve your business and stay happy.
About the Author: Dr. Michael Orozco is a best-selling author, life coach and keynote speaker. His latest book: "5 Steps to Balance Work and Life", was released on July 29th. To learn more about Dr. Orozco's business wisdom or to get his free chapter of "5 Steps to Balance Work & Life", visit www.CoachMichaelOrozco.com . For more information about Michael Orozco please visit www.michaeleorozcofans.com .
Author Links:
Website: www.DrMichaelOrozco.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelOrozco
Twitter: @CoachMikeOrozco
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11 Step to Achieve the Success You've Always Wanted
By: Thomas Arthur
I can remember the exact day I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur just like my father and grandfather were before me. It was in early 1998, when my dad had just started his own company, which consisted of a handful of employees and only two projects that were years away from completion.
I was only 16 years old at the time, but I could already see that something was happening. My dad was trying to get off his old job and start a career as an entrepreneur. At first it wasn’t quite working. He had a lot of problems and obstacles to overcome, including negative criticism from family members, and uncertainty about the future of his business.
I remember thinking how difficult it must be for him to change so rapidly. I decided that if he could do it, maybe I could too because I knew he had the support of my mother, his wife and my now 77 year old grandfather who was in charge of all the finances still living in our country despite being retired for a few years.
Over the years I began helping my father with his business and became a partner in it as well. I began working full time for him in 2008, and was slowly promoted to assistant manager. After nearly three years of working for my dad, my grandfather decided he wanted to retire from his company before he passed away, which also helped us out by giving us an opportunity to buy the company from my dad and turn it into our own business.
I have never really been one to look over my shoulder when I’m trying to achieve something new because I know that people can get ahead of themselves without understanding what they are getting themselves into. It’s easy to get caught up in the possibility of what could happen, but it doesn’t always work out that way. I’ve learned that it is better to start small and work my way up than to jump right into a new project without any experience.
It was hard to make the transition from working for someone else, to becoming an entrepreneur myself. It was especially difficult when I started making more money on my own, because now I had the additional responsibility of paying taxes and bills instead of just cashing a check every week.
Conclusion
My father, grandfather and I have been going strong ever since. I remember wishing the best for my dad, who is now in his 60s and still working to this day. He's still going strong and we all make sure to support each other as much as possible, like we did when we were kids.
At first it was hard for me to imagine how my life would turn out, but I’m glad that it has turned out far better than I thought it would. My wife is also an entrepreneur, so we have the same ability to achieve success together as well.