Defeating the modern workplace’s biggest enemy: Stress

Today, business leaders are barraged with tough choices and contingencies on a daily basis as global markets become increasingly hyper-competitive. With looming recession, disrupted supply chains and Covid-19 fallouts, it is unsurprising that 44% of the working population consider themselves stressed on the job. The rising toll on employee wellness has proven significantly damaging to both, employees and organizations. As rigid deadlines, added responsibilities and team politics continue to dominate work life, balancing personal and professional pressures can often feel overwhelming. But there’s a silver lining. With the right tools, you can harness the stress management skills needed to maximize your potential.

Dale Carnegie’s How to Stop Worrying and Start Living is the bible on how to conquer life’s biggest enemies: stress, anxiety and worry. First published in 1936, its tried-and-tested methods are considered classic because of their ability to generate business success for leaders across sectors and generations. Here are some of the most easy, practical and unique techniques you can use to defeat stress with smart thinking and become a high-impact individual at work-

1.????Maintain a “Foolish things I have done” list

Everyone makes mistakes from time to time, no matter how big or small. But making a mistake is not a bad thing in itself. It offers an opportunity to identify improvement areas and translate a weakness into strength. Having sleepless nights worrying over a faux pas or having sent the wrong e-mail to a client helps absolutely no-one. Instead, taking accountability and monitoring growth is essential. Making a ‘Foolish things I have done list’ allows you to recognize and accept mistakes made and let go of any embarrassment associated with them. By creating a simple inventory of things that could have done better, you can discover the kind of situations that cause you stress and what you would like your desired behavior to be in response. Aside from being able to prepare for stressful situations in the future, the list also allows you to look back and see the progress being made. By taking responsibility for errors and making sure the same mistake isn’t made twice, you position yourself to work with maximum confidence and efficiency. ?

2.????The 90-10 rule

As human beings, we are often inclined to negativity bias and tend to look at the glass half empty. People are prone to obsessively over-analyze situations, worrying about anticipated pressures and demands that have not presently materialized. The reality is that generally, 90% of our lives are actually going quite well but we concentrate on the 10% that isn’t. The most powerful way to defeat stress is by focusing on what is working for you, irrespective of how minute it might seem. Every aspect of life is worth celebrating, and having gratitude for what is important is a sure fire way to extinguish worries and put matters into a healthy perspective.

It is also critical to realize to that we all forget to be grateful. If a team member or boss is not showing you the gratitude you deserve, lead by example. Showing your appreciation for others helps build goodwill and positive interactions, while letting you be the one who empowers others.

3.????Cost-benefit analysis

Modern day work environments are plagued with crises and require us to juggle many activities at a single time. Disproportionately prioritizing non-critical work can result in wasted resources and inefficient performance. The best way to tackle the multitude of tasks thrown our way is to apply basic logic reasoning when deciding what to work on first. Considering the costs and benefits of a particular action allows for an understanding of its criticality- the urgency and importance by which it needs to be done. Hence, with the advantages and disadvantages of different courses of action clearly laid out, you can ensure that the most relevant tasks are completed on priority. This helps individuals consistently align decisions with business needs and eliminates stress by organizing different working paths.

Stress management is not only the need of the hour, but an essential life-skill. More than anything, an openness to continually invest in self-improvement is paramount to avoid burnout and effectively fulfil responsibilities. You have the power to master your destiny, so choose to stop worrying and start living.?