I have a good friend named Jay. Jay has been running a highly successful business for the past 20 years. He runs into the same challenges, disruptions, employee issues as everyone else. But here’s thing. Nothing seems to ruffle his feathers. I mean NOTHING. And on top of this, I’ve never seen him stressed. He seems to sail through life without the heartburn that dogs most people.
Do you know someone like Jay? Chances are, you do. Have you ever wondered why they don’t get upset, yell, scream, or throw something when the inevitable crisis happens? It’s because they have more self-control than those around them. That’s one of the essential characteristics I have observed in the best decision-makers.
Because they maintain this self-control, they are rewarded with less stress. This enables them to make more thoughtful choices and decisions. They don’t succumb to the impatience and impulses that cause mistakes and missteps. Their patience and perspective is also seen by others and serves as a calming force for the others involved with the problem or crisis as well.
Would you like to be like Jay? You can! The next time you’re faced with impatience, temptation, or worry, stop and ask yourself, “Is this the best use of my time, energy and attention? If it isn’t, take a breath, leave the space, reframe the situation, find something else to do.
Impulse control is all about disrupting the present pattern. Teach your brain to do so around the temptations you face. Yes, this will take time and perseverance. If faced with a sudden problem or confrontation, physically step away to diffuse your emotion. Pattern interruption is one of the keys to self-control.
The other is having well established routines which enable you to act alternatively in these situations. I know, easier said than done. Self-control is the hardest of all the attributes necessary to becoming a consistently effective decision-maker. So, when do you begin? How about right now? Awareness of the issue is the first step to managing the unexpected.
How do you manage stress when the unexpected happens? What strategy works best for you? Tell me in the comments below.