As entrepreneurs we tend to push ourselves to the limits, and then beyond. We're driven and motivated, and we put all sorts of self-imposed deadlines and expectations on ourselves.
I'm sitting here at my desk looking at my endless task list. Actually, multiple task lists and tons of notes and ideas. I'm sure you can relate and have the same staring you in the face too.
Over the years I've discovered that I experience two very different types of stress. There's positive stress and negative stress. Positive Stress is called Eustress and is based more on perception than circumstances. Good stress drives you forward with a higher level of motivation and determination, unlike DIStress which can seriously hinder your creativity and productivity - and overall sense of well-being...
"Selye argued that persistent stress that is not resolved through coping or adaptation should be known as distress, and may lead to anxiety, withdrawal, and depressive behavior. In contrast, if stress enhances one's functioning it may be considered eustress. Both can be equally taxing on the body, and are cumulative in nature, depending on a person's way of adapting to the stressor that caused it." source
Sometimes all it takes is a simple shift in mindset to turn distress into eustress. Good stress can be a very positive thing, so it's worth exploring ways to ignite that positive response to stressors that might otherwise cause you to shut down in fear or anxiety.
The first step is to analyze your own individual way of dealing with different types of stress. We all handle things differently, so there is no one size fits all solution.
Just as one example, I know that I am more alert and productive in the early morning hours. I tend to get stressed and frustrated if I try to work on creative projects in the afternoon. So it only makes sense for me to PLAN accordingly.
I've also discovered that I work VERY well under pressure. And it has to be a real deadline, not a self-imposed deadline. If I want to get my entire house clean in a matter of a few short hours, all I have to do is invite someone over for dinner. 😉
Given we're all different, and usually respond to stress subconsciously and automatically (without thinking), it pays to become more aware of your typical responses - and start making conscious choices based on what works best for YOU.
It could be as simple as changing your routine or schedule to increase productivity, like I did after recognizing mornings were my most productive hours. Or you may choose to put REAL deadlines in place.
But just being more aware can have a dramatic affect on how you respond to stress. Stress can ramp you up, or it can shut you down. Stop and ask yourself WHY. Such as why you feel stressed, or why you respond to certain stresses in a particular way. Analyzing what distresses you, and what motivates you, can help you create more positive scenarios - and avoid more of the negatives.
You may have noticed I haven't been blogging in the last two weeks, which is not at all my norm. A few times I had a hit of anxiety over that, but I had to stop and just let it go. I decided nobody was out there holding their breath waiting for my next post (gosh, I hope not anyway! lol). It was a self-imposed expectation only, and not one I was going to allow to derail me or "get me stressed." Period.
Being aware is the first step to taking control. Life can throw all sorts of kinks in our day, from distractions to technical issues. The key is to just keep moving forward. Any progress you make is still PROGRESS. Celebrate what you accomplish instead of lamenting over what you didn't. Plan your day around your peak performance hours. Put motivators in place, and remove negative pressures.
I would love to hear how YOU deal with "stress" in your business, and how you stay motivated and productive day in and day out...
Best,
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About Lynn Terry
Great Post, Lynn.
Stress, bad stress that is, really can be a health buster if you let. I know what you mean about multiple task lists. Mine for my online business seems to be a mile long some days. I have learned some tricks over the years to help keep some of the stress at bay though.
I have stress in both my online business and my personal life as well (like many people). A few years ago it started taking a toll on my health. ( I am a full time caregiver to an aging parent now and a few years ago I was dealing with stress and depression from the loss of 2 grandchildren, my father and my mother's debilitating stroke).
So I took matters into my own hands as they say and learned some great stress release activities. I managed to recently put those all down into a Kindle book: Release, Refresh and Renew to Relieve Stress. Writing the book was a great stress reliever in it's own way!
Carol - your book sounds like just what I need. Just bought it on Amazon. Thank you.
I really enjoyed reading your blog post Lynn! Your blog posts are always on point! I have been a little stressed because I am in the process of moving my blog. Hopefully, this will be the last move. What I do to destress is talk to my facebook friends, read a book, take a warm shower. Exercising. (I usually walk 4 times a week) Sip a nice warm cup of tea.
Well said Lynn, I'm hearing you. Self expectations, self imposed stresses, we need to let up on ourselves sometimes. I often push myself too hard and right now I'm taking a break to get perspective. Time out, long walks and putting my feet up with a good book are things I use to relax. Staying motivated and productive is easy if we have a purpose, I try to remind myself of my goals and purpose and that keeps me moving forward 🙂
This post via (my e-mail subscription) was the first thing I read this morning -- what a great way to start the day. Thank you for this article, Lynn!
I don't have an online business as such. I have a website/blog for my kitchens and carpentry business.
I find it hard to motivate myself to run my blog after a hard days manual labour. I find it hard to think of ways to use my blog for my type of business and feel a bit out of my league online.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Giving yourself a break is a great stress reliever. Life doesn't end when we don't blog...or if it does, perhaps we need to work on creating more well-rounded businesses.
Hey Lynn, this was a very good post and I agree to you that we have to take control of our lives. We must know our body pattern very well, if we want to do something remarkable in life. And the stress pattern which you spoke about is a common problem to all. Whenever I feel stressed out, I try to divert my mind from the topic of concern. Thinking of other things or going to some other place helps me to calm myself down and feel better.
lynn,
thanks for the post - right at the "right" time - at the moment i feel a bit stressed about my business, being afraid at the same time and working hard at the other. i know it takes time but sometimes i´m afraid that i´m not "fast" enough.
true though, under pressure i work better and can make things happen. sometime we simply need a break though to recharge the batteries!
Stress has to be take from the positive point of view but if it is taken in the negative way it will lead to depression, fear and low self confidence.It is advisable to divert ones mind when negative thoughts start attacking and think of all the achievements so far because these positive aspects of life helps us to keep going and shun all these negative feelings.
Stress can have a negative impact on the mental and physical well being but at the same time stress helps you to keep going because without stress life would be boring.Stress has to be handled in the positive way and there are many stress management techniques like breathing, exercising etc and these techniques can be quite helpful for the well being of an individual.
Thanks for sharing this article.I always remove some time to spend with my family and friends and this helps me to reduce some amount of stress from my life.Stress cannot be eliminated totally but it can be made a bit less.Thanks again for this post.