From Within, First

Given research states that if we FEEL in control (of ourselves, of the situation), then our cortisol (stress) hormone goes down and testosterone goes up (that is a good thing ladies). But the question is, HOW do we initiate this internal mental equilibrium? Shawn Achor, author and Harvard Professor, says a first step is to stop paying attention to the self-limiting “noise” that comes at us. Apparently one million senses hit our brain every second, yet we can only process 40 bits per second. OK, so choosing these 40 is a key first step. How do my clients and I do that I asked, as I intently read along. He differentiates the noise from SIGNALS, with noise being useless information that we will not act on anyway and SIGNALS being reliable data points that allow us to reach our potential. This is not optimism 101, as Signals can be helpful negative data too. But by focusing on “the patterns that reflect our purpose* (a quote I heard Sunday from Mark Acuff), we select the path where we devote our energies. Makes sense, no?

Last “control point” for this American holiday: Researchers (*2) surveyed a group of strong women (soccer players) and strong men (senior executives at an extended Harvard program) asking them their views on their peers. They also took each individuals cortisol and testosterone levels. The 3 women who were ranked by others as the most “inspiring, hardworking and optimistic”  all had the lowest cortisol, and yes, highest testosterone levels. Same with the men, topped out by the 2 with the greatest seniority/span of control. The helpful hint here was that these leaders had the strongest “sense of (self-) control”. Which brings us back to the first question – how to engender that in our leaders and ourselves.

I suggest we start with ourselves. Each day identify your one Priority (yes 1) in 3 spheres: Personal/Work/Family. My clients say this helps provide a sense of control. See if it works for you.

*1. Shawn Achor, "Before Happiness". *2. Amy Cuddy, "Presence"