We all suffer from occasional stress brought on by situations. Unrealistic deadlines or our co-workers’ bad moods happen in every group situation from time to time. Look back and laugh about it when the situation passes. It is when you feel stressed that, more often than not, you really need to take a few deep breaths and let it go.
A day late and a dollar short
Look at the reasons why you are unable to meet deadlines. Sometimes, in an effort to please others, we say yes when we really mean no. When you agree to do something that you know you can’t do, you are creating a no-win situation where everyone will end up disappointed. Tell the truth from the start and eliminate the stress.
If you always think you can get things done and never seem to be able to do it, you must have a searching look at how effectively you work. If you are constantly spending a long time trying to find the things you need to do the job effectively, then you must get to grips with your organisational skills and start from the beginning again.
Go through all your papers and set up an appropriate filing system that will allow you to find everything easily. File all the things you have completed and get rid of anything that you no longer need. A clean desk promotes clear thinking.
You must set daily targets and make sure that you are completing them on most days. This means that you have to take the time to plan your day and dedicate yourself to beginning and finishing projects in order of priority. If you have a tendency to procrastinate, do your least favourite jobs first and leave the most enjoyable for last.
Don’t get distracted. Focus on the job at hand and don’t move on until it is complete. Persistence always pays off – particularly when you don’t like doing something. You will feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and relief that you are moving forward.
If you really are unable to finish an assignment, stop and think about what it was that prevented you from getting the job done. Deal with it there and then and learn from it. If there are too many phone calls, don’t take them.
If co-workers come in and chat, keep your door closed or say that you’re sorry but you don’t have the time. Knowing how and when to say no is an important step in getting control of your life. Think about it.
Pat on the back
We all have a need to be appreciated in everything we do. My best advice is to let the appreciation come from within. Take the first step and give yourself a big pat on the back when you have done something that you are proud of. Be happy in the knowledge that you have succeeded at accomplishing what you set out to do.
Don’t worry about what other people think. You know the truth. You dedicated yourself to getting the job done and you did it. This simple bit of truth can make a difference in all areas of your life. It can and will alleviate stress. Be confident about your abilities and recognise the skills that you have. Think positively and you will accomplish more. Believe that you will succeed and you will. Think calm and you will be calm. Look at how much power you really have and use it.
