Recognize Your Reactions
by Linda Griffith, The Organized Option
You don't have to be a small business to feel the pressure of being in a
recession. We're all feeling it--layoffs, store closings, faltering new auto
sales, a falling stock market. But instead of concentrating on the negativity of
the poor economy, keep your focus on what you can control. If
you're anxious about relationships or circumstances that are beyond your
control, then you're wasting precious emotional energy. When times are
challenging, take a step back and analyze the situation. I highly recommend
brainstorming on paper. You really can alter your perception, and it's
easier than you think! Here's how you do it:
- Write down everything that is causing you anxiety, fear and grief. Nothing you write is to be construed as frivilous--if it's bothering you, write it down.
- Next, assign a simple three-point value to each item. For example, 3 means it causes you extreme anxiety; 2 means it causes you moderate anxiety; 1 means it causes you little to no anxiety.
- Now go through each item and ask yourself this question, "Is this situation within my control?" Write yes or no.
- For every item that you responded with 'no', cross it off. You have now given yourself permission to let go of the emotional baggage of circumstances that you can do nothing about.
- You've now got 3 lists. Reprioritize each item within those lists as A, B, C, etc., with A being the most important.
- Starting with 3A, sit back with a cup of coffee or tea, and ask yourself: "What action can I personally take to resolve how I am reacting to this situation?" Write your answer down.
- At this point, study your list and your answers. Do you recognize a pattern within your reactions? If so, do you want to live like that, or are you willing to modify your behavior? Only you can make the decision. React? Or act? I hope you choose to act!
You may be
thinking that this little exercise only applies to relationships. Not so! It's
exactly the same process that I go through with my clients who are struggling
with excessive clutter. Both require behavior modification. No one can do it for
us. Not only that, recognize that you cannot control other people's actions . .
. only how you react to them.
Linda Griffith, owner
of The Organized Option, is a Professional Organizer &
Speaker based in Phoenix. She specializes in organizing sewing and craft rooms
and also services residential and home-based businesses. A national speaker,
Linda's presentations blend practical how-to organizing tips with motivation and
humor. She can be reached at 480-755-3991, or through her website, where you can
sign up for her free monthly e-newsletter.