How to Turn Stress Around and Power Ahead
By Sandy Schroeder
We live in a very competitive world, but winning is possible if we empower ourselves, according to Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-founder of TalentSmart, the agency that services 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies.
Bradberry says you either believe you can make things happen, or you believe things happen to you. When you believe your fate is in your hands you are empowered, and you are definitely on the right track.
University of Florida psychologist Tim Judge says empowered people adapt more quickly to change, handle customers better, generate more sales, and earn 50 to 150 percent more.
When Stress Strikes, Strike Back
Empowered people run into stress, too, but they turn it around, replacing futility with force, and pity with passion. Their secret is they stay calm under pressure.
TalentSmart’s research shows 90 percent of the workforce's top leaders stay calm and focused when stressful situations arise. The people who crumble often tumble further as stress reduces their ability to think clearly. Then one bad decision leads to another, often impacting their health, and their job.
How to Turn Things Around
To stay empowered take these steps:
Always anticipate change – Mentally gear up for changes that could happen to your job or your company. Make a list of those changes. If and when change shows up, you will be better prepared.
Pinpoint wins, not disasters – Add positive ways that you could respond to your list of changes. If it does occur, you will be ready.
Think about the past – Review times when you succeeded, and other times when you lost. Then remember how you succeeded and outline a positive script that shows what you did to win. Keep this script at hand for future challenges.
Root out negatives – Think about your typical positive and negative responses. The next time negative ones show up, stop and write them down. When you pause you can see how one negative thought can create more. Learn to shut them down as they appear, reducing their power to sabotage your efforts.
Be thankful – Take a minute to review all of the good things in your life. Then start work on your next project, knowing just how empowered you are.
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