Managing stress in your business
Emma McQueen (GAICD)
Results-focused coach for female business owners ? Double your revenue and get paid what you’re worth ? Director ? Author of Go-getter
Stress is often given a bad rap. But what if we start viewing it as a catalyst for success??
With the right approach, we can make stress into a powerful tool that enhances our performance and helps us achieve our goals. Intrigued? Then read on because today I’m sharing actionable strategies to harness stress and supercharge your business.
??1. Reframe Stress as a Challenge: Instead of viewing stress as a threat, try to see it as a challenge or an opportunity. This mindset shift can increase your motivation and make you feel more resilient. For example, facing a tight deadline is an opportunity for you to showcase your efficiency and problem-solving skills rather than seeing it as a burden.
??2. Channel Stress into Productivity: Stress can heighten your alertness and energy. Use this to your advantage by channelling it into productive activities. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. The adrenaline from stress can help you tackle these tasks more efficiently.?
?3. Set Clear Goals: Uncertainty often causes stress. By taking a step back and setting clear, achievable goals, you can reduce that uncertainty and create a clear path forward. Use stress as a signal to review and clarify your goals, ensuring you have a solid plan to achieve them.
??4. Develop a Resilient Mindset: Stress can build resilience if we choose to learn from it. Reflect on stressful experiences to identify what helped you cope or succeed. After stressful events, take time to reflect on what worked well and what can be improved. This practice builds mental toughness and helps celebrate small victories.
??5. Enhance Focus Through Stress: When stressed, your body is in a heightened state of awareness. Harness this state to focus on the most important tasks. Techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing exercises can help direct stress-induced energy toward focused work. Even small micro-breaks can be beneficial.?
?6. Leverage Stress for Creativity: Stress can push you to think outside the box. Use it as a catalyst for innovation. When faced with challenges, brainstorming creative solutions or exploring new approaches can be incredibly effective. Sometimes, a simple walk or break away from your desk can provide the fresh perspective needed.
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??7. Build a Supportive Network: Sharing your stress with trusted colleagues or mentors can provide different perspectives and solutions. Creating a supportive business community where you can discuss challenges and collaborate on solutions is invaluable. Whether it’s a tight-knit group or a wider community, having support is key.
??8. Practise Stress Management Techniques: Regularly practising stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies can help you maintain a healthy balance and use stress positively. For example, I’ve found meditation to be a game-changer, while others might prefer activities such as colouring or decluttering. Find what works for you.
?It’s time to reframe how we view stress and consider it a tool rather than something to be avoided. By harnessing its energy, we can enhance our performance and resilience.? So, what steps will you take to leverage stress in your business? Will you let stress drive you, or will you drive it to achieve your goals? The choice is yours.
LINKS
For a copy of Emma's book, 'Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive' – https://www.emmamcqueen.com.au/book/
Stress isn’t always bad. It can be motivating.