I. ARE YOU THE CAUSE OF YOUR OWN STRESS?

It is very easy to blame the outside world for the stress you may be experiencing these days. I mean, how could it be your fault? The economy is not doing well, so there is the stress associated with the possibly of being laid off. There is less support and resources at work, so there is the stress associated with doing more with less. Your organization is not growing as fast as you'd like, so there is the stress associated with not meeting your goals. It is amazing that you are even able to function at all!

Yes, these things are real. And yes, they are stressful. But did you ever stop to think that you may be the major contributor to your own stress?

What processes do you have in place to make your day go smoother? Are you organized? Is your desk clean? Do you leave enough time between meetings so you are on time for the next one? Are people able to count on you when you say you will complete a project? Or, are you over-promising and under-delivering, and as a consequence looking bad in front of your boss, colleagues, and employees?

The above are not outside "things" that are happening to you, but rather the result of what you created, or at least something that you allowed to occur. Stress became such an integral part of your day, that you were unable to see that you may have produced the stress in the first place.

Is there a better way? Yes, but it has to start with you.

Begin by looking at your day and determining what you can eliminate, and what you can give away. Recognize that you may enjoy the adrenaline that is associated with doing many things at one time. Acknowledge that you may be losing the credibility and respect of the people around you because of your actions. Once you "get" how your behavior may have affected others (and yourself), then you can make room for something more beneficial and positive.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to give up your stressful ways? You only have one life to live, so it might as well be a life you love!

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II. TOP WAYS TOP WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR DAY BETTER

1. Take 5-Minute Breaks Regularly Throughout Your Day.

Sit or walk on your own and relax, breathe deeply and feel peaceful. You will feel more relaxed and not so overwhelmed, increasing your level of concentration and ability to achieve more, in less time.

2. Arrive 10 Minutes Early For Every Work And Personal Appointment.

Arrive 10 Minutes Early For Every Work And Personal Appointment.

You will have time to feel relaxed, prepare yourself and to show respect for the other person's time.

3. Quit Worrying.

Worry is a sheer waste of energy and probably 90% of what you worry about will not happen. Take this energy and use it to solve the problems that are causing you to worry.

4. Take Responsibility For Your Actions.

Actions that you take are a result of choices that you've made. When you take responsibility for your actions you realize that you are able to make different choices.

5. Clean Up Your Work Space.

Find a way to eliminate the piles of paperwork. Working in an environment that is clean and organized will free up your mind and reduce distractions for you. When your space feels cluttered it leads to your mind feeling cluttered.

6. Manage Yourself Rather Than Your Time.

You cannot change time yet you can make changes to yourself by organizing yourself, setting priorities, and eliminating what's not working. When you manage yourself you will have more time to create the life you really want.

7. Learn To Say No.

A straightforward "No" is best, although if this feels difficult at first try, "No, my time is committed elsewhere." Saying no is a skill to learn, and it takes practice. You will never please everyone and accepting this will reduce the pressure you put on yourself.

8. Reward Your Achievements.

Choose the reward before you start a project, and use it to move you forward. Knowing that there is a reward at the end will encourage you to keep persevering and to focus on the task at hand.

9. Let Go Of Your Need For A Specific Outcome.

This keeps you present, centered, and attentive, leaving you aware of other people's wants and needs as well as your own. You will then be open to new challenges or opportunities that may bring about a better result. You will also less likely feel like a failure if you don't reach a specific outcome.

10. Express Gratitude To Yourself And Other People.

Every day think of and share 3 things that you are grateful for. Your life and attitude will improve when you focus on the things that work, and feel good now.

About the Author: This piece was written by Wendy Hearn, Personal and Professional Coach, who can be reached at wendycoach@btinternet.com or at her web-site at http://www.business-personal-coaching.com/

III. LAID OFF? USE THE POWER OF A GROUP TO GET YOUR NEXT JOB QUICKER!

Have you been laid off because of the sluggish economy? Are you looking for a great job?

Jump start your job search, and decrease the time it takes to find your next position. Be a part of a telephone coaching group with your peers to network, get support, and have access to ideas and resources you might not have on your own.

Send an e-mail to info@surpassyourdreams.com with "Life After The Layoff" in the Subject for the dates of the next FREE introduction.

IV. COACHES CORNER

Since many of my newsletter subscribers are coaches, this section is for you. It contains tips and techniques to take your coaching practice to the next level.

THIS MONTH: GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING