1. Get Positive about life – Get rid of the stress inducers

a. Exaggerating a problem in your mind

• Terms to use: Inconvenient; Annoying; A nuisance; Would rather; Would prefer
• Terms to avoid: Awful; Terrible; Must; Have to; Disastrous; Good

b. Thinking that a situation will be good or bad before it happens – Negative expectations

c. Assuming that the worst will happen – Unrealistic beliefs

d. Setting unrealistic schedules or expecting unrealistic results

e. Having a pessimistic attitude. – Avoid Negative thoughts

2. Develop Good Working Habits

a. Organize – By creating a productive environment for yourself, you can maximize your efficiency at work and minimize stress.

* Take action when dealing with paperwork, Delegation, Bring-forward system, file immediately

b. Prepare – Adequate preparation for meetings and presentations can increase your self-confidence and prevent stress.

• Don’t leave preparation to the last minute.
• Know your audience’s knowledge level
• Practice before the presentation iv. Breathe deeply before the presentation
• Take your time and speak clearly
• Start with an impact
• Smile when you are nervous

c. Control – Interruptions at work can cause major setbacks. By learning to control these, you can focus better on your own work.

• Limit them – time is valuable
• Delay them – Can we meet later?
• Prioritize calls – deal with high priority calls immediately.

d. Proper Meeting Planning - Have an agenda to follow timeline and purpose

• Room size and shape
• Furniture in the Room
• Visual Aids available
• Refreshments

3. Plan your life – What do you really want? Examine your life. Plan your life as short, medium, & long-term.

a. Prioritize

b. Act on priorities

c. Manage your time

* To make the best of your day:

1. Don’t waste the morning

2. Allow for the unexpected

3. Take time to plan

4. Avoid back-to-back meetings

5. Give yourself “telephone time”

6. Use a visual plan

7. Make time for reading

8. Don’t be a slave to your plan