  AboutTHERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN: STRESSED OR FOCUSED Stress and challenges are part and parcel of the solo life. While we can’t control the challenges themselves, we can control our response to them. Boiling Pot Article Extracted from Flyingsolo 2015.08.11 I never wanted to return there so I avoided stress like it was the plague. And I’ve been supremely grateful. But recently, the Universe, as it’s wont to do, has been sending me a message. At least, that’s my interpretation of the fact that I’ve come across this quote in three places in two weeks: “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you’re made of, not the circumstances.” The now2. We can always deal with the ‘now’ A few years ago someone told me I had to read Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now because it would be life changing. And they were right. Whenever I find myself leaning towards the fetal position these days, I return to a single line from that book: “You can always cope with the now.” Tolle is right. My (and your!) strike rate for dealing with the ‘now’ is 100%. We don’t have to like dealing with the ‘now’. We just need to know that we can and will. Stress not bad?3. Stress isn’t necessarily ‘bad’ A few years ago I saw this TED Talk from Kelly McGonigal where she showed how stress is actually only as bad for us as we think it is. This was a big revelation for me because, (the stress = anxiety = depression equation aside), I’d always believed stress was physiologically bad too and it justified my avoidance of it. But McGonigal urges us to look at stress differently; to instead interpret the physiological reaction as an indication that our body is energised and ready to meet the new challenge head on. Privileges4. Running a business is a privilege Comparisons can be odious, but sometimes they can also be a nice reality check. I’m privileged to live in a country where a woman has the freedom and tools to start her own business. I’m also privileged to: Live in a country where the barriers to starting and running your own business are negligible; Have a business that is nearly nine years old given how many businesses fail in their first year; Have a business that’s surmounted many challenges and has been able to evolve in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. But mostly I’m privileged because, despite the stress, my business ticks some really key lifestyle boxes for me and my family. Growth5. Surmounting challenges equals growth Every challenge I’ve faced down since first starting my business nine years ago has led to learning and growth that I’ve been able to put to good use. These days I make better decisions. I’ve learned to spot the difference between an ‘opportunity’ and a giant time suck. I’ve become a better problem solver and communicator. In short, all those challenges have made me a better person! So back to the potato and the egg. It’s clear to see that I’m much better equipped to deal with the challenges of both business and life these days. And it’s clear to see that, in recent times, I’ve been taking the potato option more out of habit than necessity when presented with a ‘boiling water’ scenario. So it’s time for that to change. It’s time to put that hard-earned, newly acquired mental-strength to the test. From this point forward, if I find myself in a bit of hot water, I’m going to choose to be the egg. How do you respond to stressful situations currently? Are you in a position to choose to take the challenge head on rather than curling up in the fetal position? Article Extracted from Flyingsolo 2015.08.11
Phill Smith
Excellent article The journey quoted in the article is very real, I know of many business associates that have experienced similar turmoil, including myself; GFC, Culture differences ethnic and age in the workforce, market changes domestic and abroad... but "that's life" you have to address "fight or flight" issues and get on board or sit on the bench. Quotes for today:- I "Solo work" If you want to go fast; go alone, if you want to go far; go with others We "Team"work is about "Together Everyone Achieves More" U "Leadership values" L.I.F.E. Leadership, Integrity, Flexibility, Efficiency and without Flexibility it's a L.I.E..
established (1980), our reputation stands for your deployment, it's reliable and dependable. |
Home > Newsflash in detail >
faults and 