Self Help

Very often, work problems and stress come more from ourselves and from our own attitudes than from our working conditions. This can be true in any occupation. The source of psychological stress on the executive does not come from business problems. It comes from how he manages his own feelings and the attitudes which are stirred up by the business. The man or women at work may feel envy, anger, or discouragement in the job, but instead of coping with these inner feelings and getting a realistic perspective on the situation, he ignores his emotions. As a result there is a reduction in production and efficiency and often an increase in alcoholism, family problems, and mental illness.

How can we handle this kind of stress? Start first by taking a realistic look at the problem. What is it about your work that is making you unhappy? How is this affecting you? Is there anything you can do to make your work more meaningful, more interesting, and less demanding?

Second, have a look at your attitude. Is bitterness or cynicism making your job worse? Can you see anything positive in what you are doing? Have you ever considered that you are supposed to be exactly where you are right now? Remember that your place of work does not determine your worth as a person.

Third, be careful not to take your work and your job for granted. A bad attitude could get you on a loosing streak and no matter how important your job title is, you can be replaced. Many of us remember the day that President Kennedy was shot. One of the most important jobs in the world was suddenly vacated, but life went on without much interruption. It is sometimes difficult to accept the fact, but if we were killed tomorrow the world could get along fine without our labors, even as important they may seem today.

Fourth, make life as balanced and meaningful as you can. Your work is only a part of your life. It shouldn’t be allowed to control everything you do, nor should it be permitted to drag you down into perpetual misery. Time with your family, hobbies, community activities, and church work – all of these can bring balance to your life.

The problem comes when we don’t have power priorities. What is really most important for you right now? What goals do you have for your life and family? Where do you think you are meant to be in life? By writing these things down on paper, you can get a better perspective on where you are going to be and reduce the stress you are feeling from your work. Life can become more meaningful and less stressful when you find some satisfying purpose to replace what to this point may have been a frustrated drifting.