Today everyone is talking about and feeling stress. Most of the discussion centers on how to decrease or eliminate this energy-draining emotional state. There are countless stress-reducing methods from physical activity and exercise, to meditation and visualization. Yet, in my experience as a leader and business coach, there is one thing that's often overlooked in this discussion - getting to the root cause. Here's my definition of this anxiety producing state: Stress is the gap between a person's expectations and the reality of the situation. It's usually just that simple. So what's the solution?

First, get real about what is actually happening. Often stress results from the difference between your best case hopes and the disastrous conclusion that might occur instead. It's the fear that a specific outcome will not come to fruition. Yet, if you really think about it, you're worrying about something that hasn't even happened yet! Fear is an acronym for False Expectations Appearing Real

The good news is that these dreaded future outcomes seldom materialize. Since that's often true, ask yourself, "Why focus my energy on what isn't real in this moment right now?" The second piece of advice to reduce stress is to stop worrying about the "what if's." Instead, stay with the hard, cold facts.

If you find your mind racing off into fear of what could happen, that's when you want to bring yourself back to reality - even if you have to do it over and over again. Stop your runaway thoughts by reminding yourself that everything is fine in the present moment.

The third piece of advice is to manage your expectations. Keep them real too. When you are unrealistic about what you want or how you hope others will act, that causes tremendous stress. The bigger the expectations, the greater the fear that things will turn out poorly or people will disappoint you. Manage those expectations and you'll have a lot less to worry about. Plus you'll also limit the emotional charge from many situations.

I have found that using these three steps offers a powerful antidote to much of the daily stress people encounter. When you use these methods, you'll lighten your load, focus your energy on the task at hand, and breathe easier for a more productive day overall.

About the author: (Paul is the President of Action Business Advisors, LLC, an ACTIONCOACH Business Coaching practice located in Shelton, CT. To contact Paul, e-mail at paullavoie@actioncoach.com or call 203.954.0035.)

I would add to stay focused and positive. We have a strict office policy - NO NEGATIVITY- it's like a disease that will spread and can become the self fulfilling prophecy of doom.

I would like to invite all of you to become a Fan of Pilothouse Communications on our new Facebook Page. We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our partners. We value your feedback and this looks a great avenue to do that in a more personal manner. I am very new to this so anyone who has experience with Pages- I'd welcome any tips. Click here to become a fan and help us to service you better.

Don't forget all the other things we can do for you... IT/Data Hardware and support, Data Backup solutions, Internet and telephone lines, Video Surveillance Cameras, IP Solutions, Wireless, and more...

Call us first for any business communications needs.

Thank you for your continued business and trusting Pilothouse Communications with your vital business communications. We are here to be your business partner in all communications- voice/data/video security.

Sincerely,