Stress and anxiety in our work, and in our lives, is running wild. Fear - of making mistakes, of being wrong, of not being able to do what others are counting on - is the greatest source.
How have I personally dealt with fear? Making myself too busy to think about it, of course. Not focusing, but multitasking. Not acting, but procrastinating by making busy work important, or claiming that "NCIS" is an essential part of my rejuvenation. Not taking the time to think, exercise, plan - I let other's meetings and needs and projects drive where I spend my time. Or doing the opposite - trying to control the outcome by working long hours, and wishing everyone would work as hard as I do.
Really? Yea, really, I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit. But I'm a lot better at not conceding to fear than I used to be. Of course, I still have my occasional lapses, but I've made major progress. Ah, so "How?" you ask.
Let me tell you a short story I use to remind myself frequently of the importance of calm and clarity.
I worked at The Pillsbury Company for many years. We were coming to the end of the fiscal year, and the particular business I was running was having a great year, while Pillsbury overall was just barely at plan. Then someone who worked for me made a mistake - a substantial spending program was fielded just before the end of the year that was supposed to have been fielded at the beginning of the next year. I was afraid of the consequences - and when my boss asked what the heck happened, out of fear, I blamed the employee.
Fear and anxiety are amplifiers. They amplify our perception of consequences, which heightens our fear, which further increases the perceived magnitude of consequences. And we make bad decisions.
I was raked over the coals for the mistake - not the spending mistake - but the mistake of blaming the employee.
Pillsbury made its plan. My business made its plan. But my plan for my reputation took a big hit. I made a bad decision by not seeking "the clarity state." Dumb, I know. But I recovered, and now spend a lot more energy achieving clarity and calm. The side bar to the right has three suggestions that work remarkably well.
May you have clarity and calm today.
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