Stress !!
January 29, 2025
Stress primarily comes from not taking action over something you “can” control.
When I notice something causing me stress, I see it as a warning flag. It signals that there’s an issue I haven’t fully identified—perhaps lingering in my subconscious—and I haven’t taken any steps to address it.
What I’ve found is this: as soon as I identify the problem and take the first step—whether it’s making a phone call, sending an email, or initiating some action to tackle the situation—even if the issue isn’t fully resolved, the mere act of addressing it dramatically reduces the stress.
So, stress doesn’t stem from hard work. You can work incredibly hard and still love what you’re doing. Conversely, you could be out of work and feel overwhelmed by stress. But if you’re actively applying for jobs, attending interviews, and working to remedy the situation, you’ll feel far less stressed than if you were just worrying and doing nothing.
Bottomline- Stress, comes from ignoring things you shouldn’t ignore.
I operate to some simple first principles that ensure I don’t get stressed easily.
1. If you have to do something, don’t delay-There is no “perfect” time. Procrastination only builds subconscious stress.
2. Say yes or no-Living in “maybe” is a negative space. Indecision breeds anxiety.
3. Don’t hold back-Speak your mind clearly, and the world will adjust. Keeping things bottled up is toxic.
4. Don’t assume- Ask questions and seek clarity. Assumptions often lead to unnecessary stress.
5. If the answer isn’t a “yes,” it’s a “no”-Stop overanalyzing and imagining scenarios. Clarity brings relief.
6. Stand up for yourself- The world doesn’t respect someone who’s too nice. Assertiveness is key to self-respect.
7. Recognize selfish interests- Everyone around you has their own agenda, just as you do. Stop expecting everyone else to think about you—it’s unrealistic.
In every scenario, inaction builds stress. Being clear about what you will and will not do and then taking affirmative action, however small, spares you the ordeal of letting stress accumulate.
