Stress Management Techniques and Self Improvement

Look Below the Surface to Reduce Stress

Look Below the Surface to Reduce Stress
By Michael Erwin

One client--let's call him Scott--told me that he knows very well what causes stress for him: "Overload -- my boss gives me more work, but not more money or resources. AND -- My staff, they don't work hard enough, but they all want a pay rise!"

Here's the problem: Scott looks at that his “situation” and feels there is nothing he can do -- "I have to work with staff who don’t like me." "I must work harder just to keep my job." "I must make more money to pay my bills." End of story.
When we look at our stressors like that, we create a state of mind -- "This is my life"-- that seems impossible to change.

What gets you stressed? What triggers stress for you? Most people think they know exactly what pushes their buttons, but they're actually focusing only what is in front of their face -- the thin surface layer. It's the stuff that's underneath and hard-to-reach that are the real causes of stress.

That's why we need to dig things up, break the surface layer and see what's really underneath.
In Scott's case, going below the surface revealed that the "My boss is out to get me" story colored his perception. In reality he loved the work, enjoyed his colleagues, and felt he was making a difference. However, he didn't feel appreciated by his boss because he did not get the promotion he'd expected in the company's reorganization.

He created this perception to avoid looking at the fact that he was feeling under pressure to make more money to provide for his family.

With a little help, Scott was able to get clear about what matters most to him: Scott recognized that his boss had nothing to do with his frustration. What was actually stressing Scott was the perception he MUST do to continue to support a lifestyle that was becoming increasingly expensive and exhausting.

Scott had a heart-to-heart talk with his wife, who thought Scott's boss really was the source of his frustration.
Scott's looking forward to a year of less stress, more fun and greater awareness. He was surprised at how simple it was to make decisions that made life easier for his whole family and how much more time he now feels he has!

Find what is below the surface for you. You will find that things that used to stress you – push your buttons – don’t stress you any more. You are happier at work and at home. You achieve more. It is easy – NO. Is it worth it YES!
One of our clients has reduced her stress from 9.5/10 to 6 out of ten. She feels like a new person and others have commented on the change.

You can do it too!

Michael Erwin is a Time Creation Coach who helps busy executives and sales people create an extra hour day. His clients have improved effectiveness by up to 50% and increased sales by as much as 70%. For more information go to Time Creation Coaching.

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