Estimated read time: 1.75 minutes
Focus (not stressed) Central!
I've had a lot going on for the past couple of months - buying and remodeling a house, selling a house, a HUGE project for my business (which you will get to see soon), kids, laundry, marriage, board meetings, fundraising, life.
Does this look like some version of your life?
I've noticed as I'm moving through these various things that friends and strangers alike say things like:
You must be so stressed!
Overwhelmed yet?!
Wow - you must be barely keeping it together!
I'm willing to own that perhaps I look messy because I went to the store unshowered on the way home from carpool in the clothes I pulled off my floor. But honestly, I'm not at all stressed.
Focused, yes.
Stressed, no.
It seems like culturally, we are attached to the idea of being "busy" or "stressed" so much so that we project it all over the place, even in casual conversation, even when we have no idea if the person is actually stressed or not.
Here are some thoughts for you this week:
- Pay attention to all the times someone casually assumes you must be stressed or overwhelmed and notice the impact it has on you (and them).
- Become aware of the times you say it (I was surprised at how often "stressed' words came out of my mouth).
- Then stop, laugh and say something more supportive - like, "Wow, that is so exciting!" "You must be so engaged!" "Are you thrilled?" "It must take a lot of focus."
Notice the shift that happens in you and others.
Let's see what we can do to shift from "stressed" and "busy" to "engaged" and "excited."
And that's what I've got this week. I hope it helps.
Christina
P.S. If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, they can sign-up for The Corporate Rebel Video Podcast and Newsletter HERE. P.P.S. I'd love to hear why you think we are so focused on being "busy" and "stressed." So, if you like to share your opinion, hit reply to this email and tell me what you think.