Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.” ~ Joseph Sugarman
When you start to feel stress creeping in, don’t fight that feeling and try to push it away! Instead, stop, take a moment to try to understand the source of it (if any) but ultimately embrace that feeling and use it to propel you to do what needs to be done so that feeling can be released.
I try my best to work with stress, using it to motivate me. I wake up in the middle of the night stressed about all the things that needed to be done. My mind is racing wondering if the cash flow projection I created is right. I questioned if I was spending enough “quality” time with Dorian. He is attached to my hip but am I playing with him enough?
According to Shawn Anchor, who is a positive psychology expert, "our brain function improves when it re-frames challenges in the positive. If we are positive and concerned (not to be confused with worried), our brains are able to expand, allowing for faster processing and increased productivity.”
I use my middle of the night mini freak out sessions to channel my energy into making lists. I recognize that I can’t solve these problems in the moment and that sleep is important so the next best thing was to make a list.
I’d grab my notebook that I keep at my bedside and start writing out my to do lists. I would add a list of people that I need to connect with to help me achieve my goal. On a separate page, I would write down my feelings and always include in that how fortunate I am to be feeling stressed about having a new exciting opportunity to wake me at night.
Takeaways: It is important to assess the situation daily and constantly make adjustments to keep it all spinning.
Take the time to write down your feelings and action items.
Don’t beat yourself up for not getting it all done on the timeline you created for yourself.
Recognize you did the best you can and that there is always tomorrow especially if you understand your priorities.