Common Sense Ideas for Becoming the Career Star You Are Meant to Be

Today is Wednesday, so this post is on outstanding performance.

Outstanding performers know how to manage stress.  Stress can have a negative effect on high performance.  That’s why it’s important to understand the causes of stress and to learn how to manage it well. Last Wednesday, I posted a questionnaire to assist you in identifying the level of stress in your life.  In today’s post, I’d like to offer some ideas for managing stress.

• Be aware of your stressors.  Notice when you are feeling stressed.  See if there is a pattern to the things and events that heighten your stress. 
• Change what you can.  If possible, avoid or eliminate situations that will cause you to be stressed.  Do what you can to shorten your exposure to stressful situations. 
• Manage your reactions to stress.  Take a mental break.  I find that a walk always help lower my stress.  If you can’t absent yourself from a stressful situation, take several deep breaths.  Keep your work space and living space organized.  It’s easier to deal with stress when you can find what you need and want.
• Surround your self with supportive people.  Friends and loved ones can help you manage stress just by being there for you to talk to them.  Meet new people.  Widen your circle of support.
• Take care of yourself physically.  Eat right, jog or walk.  Get regular check ups.  Get enough sleep.  Avoid caffeine and smoking. 
• Build your emotional reserves.  Make sure that your goals are realistic and personally meaningful.  Realize that frustrations, failures and sorrows are a normal part of life.  Be kind to yourself. 

These are just a few ideas for managing the day to day stress that will pop up in your life.  If you can put these common sense ideas into play, you will be able to perform better.  And, outstanding performance is a key to career and life success.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.  Check out my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a small business.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com.TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.