As Napoleon said, “Dress me slowly, I’m in a hurry.”

How many times has it happened to us that we are in a rush to complete a task only to make it worse because we rushed through it? We live in a world inundated with instant gratification. We have become so used to getting what we want in just a few seconds that we are taking it for granted. When we don’t get an immediate response, we automatically become irritated and frustrated.

In sports and business, we have equally gotten used to this phenomenon. We expect results right away. Many college football players are now being drafted before completing their education. Jordan Spieth, the top American professional golfer, left University of Texas mid-way through his sophomore year. Stock brokers are under the gun to bring in commissions faster than ever before or are quickly fired when under-produce. Long are the days of long tenure. The median time for young workers is around 3 years.

Although there are many benefits to those who succeed, the race to making it is becoming so stressful that young individuals are suffering from illness that used to be diagnosed to older folks. Heart disease, mental complications, depression, and anxiety are just a few of the consequences of work burnout. Stress is here to stay, but making proper decisions to manage it may lead to better health.

1-Ask for what you need. It is quite common to assume that if I opened my mouth, it will show weakness. The thought of toughing it out has become synonymous with achievement, but in reality, it is usually associated with needless stress that could have been avoided had we voiced our needs. Seek advice and talk to your superior. Express how your job is working out, explain possible solutions to current problems and show interest in your superior’s solutions. By creating a team approach, you will be better understood and supported.

2-Identify what stresses you out. The tendency to ruminate about problems only leads to higher stress. Unfortunately, it is quite common that we project negative scenarios to current situations. When you find yourself heading into a negative spiral, re-frame the problem. Seek the positive scenario and be optimistic. Be curious about other possibilities. Most likely, solutions are found when you consider different alternatives.

3-Meditate. Take 10 minutes of your busy day and find the time to use it just for you. The body needs to recalibrate and can surely find such an objective if you dedicate just a short time to it.

Use your time wisely. Slow it down just a bit and, at the end, you will rip the result you were seeking.

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