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GM BUSINESS connect
April/May 2019
wellbeing Manage the How do you manage the stress of being the best? If you’re really focused on never putting a foot wrong it can be overwhelming and exhausting, not just for you but for all concerned. You may even be aware of people who check their work so often that they effectively become word-blind and would find it hard to tell if there was an error!
stress of being the best
Some responsibilities are important and matter more than others. Yes, a client, customer or friend deserve to have their requests treated with due deference and respect but some things are urgent whilst others are less so.
Whilst we shouldn’t agree to help or undertake something we can’t fully commit to, equally there are times when enough is enough. Not every piece of work requires being If you’re at that stage in your pursuit worked on throughout the night or of being the best you can lose the being double, triple or quadruple ability to critically review your work. checked! Whilst caring enough to be good, However, it may be a useful making an effort to improve and strategy to have someone aiming to produce an exceptional look over any work that you’re piece of work all have an important apprehensive about. A trusted role. It’s also important not to third-party can often provide subject ourselves to constant valuable reassurance. overbearing scrutiny and pressure. There’s no need to be an expert It’s stressful to be subjected to in every area. There will be times other people snapping at our when our skills are not up to a heels, waiting for us to fail or cave particular request. There may under the unremitting pressure and be areas which we don’t fully criticism. They’re impatiently biding understand or are not trained in. their time so that they can replace Accept and admit this rather than us and step into our role. try to muddle through. Offer to Let’s consider some ways source someone who’s competent in that field and forge a connection to manage the stress of with them; it could even lead being the best. to you forming an alliance or If we work in a highly partnership, on occasion resulting competitive environment we in a lucrative new string to both may feel stressed and living under your bows. constant ‘supervision’. How do you feel if someone The problem with this scenario is says that they can’t do that stress generates more stress something? So long as it’s done and becomes debilitating over in the right way, not too often or time. after they’ve made a hash of an important piece of urgent work I’m We may find our clear thinking, sure you appreciated their honesty powers of concentration and focus and were understanding. are all affected, as well as our health and wellbeing, ability to sleep and It helps if you’re offered alternative enjoyment of a good-humoured solutions, perhaps a contact they approach to life. have or a working relationship with someone in that field who could Being firm about breaks and time step in and fill the breach. Doing out is important, as is trying to that could result in a win/win for all remove yourself from negative concerned. people and situations as often as possible. Reflect on what worked for you
and determine to adopt that approach.
Aiming to constantly be the best can require sacrifices to be made, and it’s often our personal life which takes the strain as it’s the path of least resistance. We may find ourselves cancelling or missing out on precious moments with our children, or time with our partner or social occasions with family or friends. Deciding to side-line those times means that not only do we miss out on personal rest and relaxation, but we also risk damaging or alienating those relationships through neglect.
who’s good. Equally, be keen to recommend people you know, like and trust. Oil the wheels of your relationships and then the stress to be the best will subside as you become quietly confident in your field. Let others contribute and be part of your team. They may not work in the same way as you but you’ll get more enthusiasm, commitment and potentially great new ideas from them as a consequence. There are many ways to manage the stress of being the best. Don’t let perfectionism get in the way of you doing a great job!
When people are regularly dropped they will start to cope without you, but also get the message that you care more about work than you do about them. Manage the stress of being the best by focusing on developing your brand and letting it work for you. Becoming the ‘go to’ guy in a particular niche can be achieved by giving demonstrations, free samples, talks, workshops, writing articles and blogs, maintaining a highprofile. Turning up consistently, whether it be at network meetings, online or in the media can be managed to suit your lifestyle, so easing the stress. Let potential customers become so familiar with your name that you automatically spring to mind whenever your area of expertise is being considered. Let others sing your praises. Rather than hassle people for endorsements, step back and let your good work speak for itself. When other people become your ambassadors they recommend you with confidence, pleased that they know someone
Susan Leigh MNCH (ACC)
Altrincham, Cheshire and South Manchester counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer and media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. She’s author of 3 books, all on Amazon and with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life. To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit www.lifestyletherapy.net For more articles, information or to make contact please call 0161 928 7880 or visit
www.lifestyletherapy.net
