A recent article in Forbes magazine describes how “the ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to your performance.”
As the chart shows, optimal performance comes in the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ when there is neither too much nor too little stress.
The author’s company has studied more than a million people and identified ten of the most effective strategies successful people employ when faced with stress.
These are:
- Appreciate what you have
- Avoid asking “What if…?”
- Stay positive
- Disconnect from time to time, from work and ‘the grid’
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Sleep
- Squash negative self-talk
- Reframe your perspective
- Breathe
- Use your support system — avoid attempting to tackle everything by yourself
Most of these are covered in Chapters 1 and 2 of Inner Leadership, on learning to centre, ground, and connect with yourself then make clear sense of the situation. Asking yourself at the end of each day what has gone well. Spending time in nature. Remember to reconnect with the present moment (“breathe”) and possibly to mediate when needed.
Tools in Chapters 2 and 3 show how to “Reframe your perspective” and “Squash negative self-talk.”
Possibly the only item not covered is “Limit your caffeine intake.”
And hopefully the tools and workbook Inner Leadership itself can become part of your support system.