So many busy CEOs and business owners are increasingly stressed out. They are overwhelmed because of the pressure to perform, the adversity they face, the challenging times we are facing, technology, people, family and their deep desires.
Today I want to share with you the most common causes of stress I see in CEOs and business owners I work with, and I am going to share with you some tips on how I help my clients deal with it, and I know it will help you too.
It’s not uncommon to feel stressed out, exhausted and overwhelmed. I know this because I too have experienced the anxiety and pain that comes from taking on too much, having systems fall over, being let down by people and the pressure of cash flow. We have all been there at one time or another. If you haven’t prepared yourself because it happens to all of us and when it does you want to make sure you can support yourself through the experience.
Most commonly CEOs and business owners are stressed because of;
We are always connected. In today’s hyper technologically connected environment, there is rarely an off button. We no longer are restricted by Time zones, geography and onsite working conditions. The smartphone has made us truly connected all the time, and this has consequences.
The development of false expectations. Many people are trying to do too much. They set themselves enormous expectations, creating unnecessary pressure to succeed—it throughs outbalance, which deprives us of time and freedom.
The pressure to maintain appearances and perceptions is genuinely exhausting. This is the apparent path to burnout for many.
Lack of prioritising. I talk a lot about prioritising because too often people try to do everything, and often they do shit that doesn’t serve them. Then they become frustrated, stressed out and exhausted and wonder why?!
Poor Coping Mechanisms. Stress is inevitable, and so too is building a coping mechanism that helps you to perform better and manage the situation. The problem is that too many people fear being vulnerable, they don’t ask for help and therefore lack support. This compounds the stress and leaves them feeling alone and unable to cope.
Noise
How many of you meditate, sit in silence, watch the ocean roll in at the edge of the beach or even bird watch in a forest? Seriously? Ask yourself when was the last time you went into the hills or a deserted beach and just stopped to listen to the sound of nature and nothing more.
We are consumed and surrounded by noise, pollution and visual stimulation that our minds are on overdrive. This has a significant impact on your stress and your ability to separate.
So what simple steps can you take to get back in control and unplug?
Stop trying to please everyone. Yes, just stop! Get off the hamster wheel and break the cycle by starting with you.
Implement a curfew. Put all devices on DND between 7 pm, and 7 am. Create boundaries; this will make you more productive than anything else. Limiting your availability creates more time and more freedom.
Take back control by prioritising your work. Start with your to-do list, break it down into what you must do, delegate or delete. If it doesn’t serve you, why are you doing it? It’s very empowering when you take this approach.
Unplug, go for a scheduled massage once a week. Go for a walk at lunchtime. Take breaks regularly. Practice mindfulness and build medication into your routine. This will improve your wellbeing.
Take action on healthy habits. Have a kick-ass morning routine, keep your body moving, make sure you get enough sleep, reduce the amount of alcohol you consume and pay attention to the amount of passive procrastination you are practising.
All these simple measures will help you develop more confidence, relieve stress and establish better coping mechanisms. Above all else, remember to use these opportunities in your life to build your resilience and as this will serve you over and over again.
If you want to learn more about building resilience, please comment below with #Resilience @KristianLivolsi, and I will be in touch to gift you a workbook I created on resilience for SHOWUP2020, that has impacted the lives of thousands of people around the world. This is my gift to you. Alternatively, email us hello@kristianlivolsi.com.au with subject #resilience.
Live with purpose,
Kristian Livolsi
