When a turtle is threatened, it never tries to out run the foe. It doesn’t retaliate and attack. Instead, it retreats into its shell and waits for the threat to pass away. It’s a simple strategy but it’s highly effective in certain situations.
Alternatively, when a hare is threatened, it never stays still. It always tries to run away with its speed and quickness. Again, simple and effective.
The main difference between humans and animals is that we have the power to choose how to respond. We may decide that for today, it makes sense to listen to music. Or we could eat a piece of chocolate. Or we could cry. Or we could go to the gym.
Each of them is a perfectly valid response to stress. And each one can be effective for alleviating the stress.
But the challenge that we face, is that like animals, we develop a preferred stress response over time. As much as we can change, we stick with what we know will work. Even if it doesn’t help us achieve our goals in the long-term. We might procrastinate on Instagram instead of doing the project that we need to do. Or we might complain about our colleague and then do nothing to improve the relationship.
The key to solving this challenge is to choose your response carefully. What do you currently do when work is stressing you? And then, what can you do instead that is a better response?
Knowing your stress response helps you win the battle in the short term. But choosing the right response allows you to win the war.
Always remember that you have the power to choose.
A New Source Code 