How To Overcome Stress, Worries And Anxiety To Succeed In Your Career

Here’s something people don’t often talk about. To be successful in your job, you need not only the right skills and experience, but also the right strategies and tools to effectively deal with potential self-defeating thoughts, stress, and anxiety.

That may sound simple, but it isn’t. Given all that people are dealing with today, it would be surprising if you didn’t feel stressed and anxious. “People have spent two and a half years coping with a global pandemic, uncertain financial future, political turmoil and rising inflation,” said Jeffrey Galak, associate professor of marketing at Carnegie Mellon.

Until recently, it wasn’t socially acceptable to talk about mental health issues. People would keep their challenges to themselves for fear of being labeled and marginalized. Post-pandemic, it’s become more common to talk about your emotional well-being, depression, and career burnout.

You can control how you respond to events

Although many things are beyond your control, you have the power to direct the way you see things and how you respond appropriately. For example, after months of interviewing, you may not get a job offer. Instead of getting angry and blaming the company, take a step back and process what happened. Think about what you did well and be honest about what you can improve. Treat the setback as temporary and a learning experience that will help you succeed at your next interview.

Instead of simmering in your resentment and anger over something that isn’t working in your favor, give yourself a little time to feel bad and then forget it. Those job interviews are a thing of the past and the past no longer exists. You have to stay in the present. Use the here and now to hone your interviewing skills, practice your elevator pitch, streamline your LinkedIn profile, and find some good recruiters to get you back in the interview.

Stop brooding and marinating in negativity

By default, people allow the uninterrupted flow of negative thoughts in their minds without pushing them back. Almost everyone is engaged in critical, unproductive, fleeting thoughts. After a while, most people succumb to these self-defeating and destructive ruminations.

You have to fight back. Replace those negative thoughts with positive ones, or think about the times you persevered and overcame obstacles in your path that led you to success.

The power of positive thinking

Both positive and negative thoughts can affect your overall health. When you embrace positive thinking, you can resist stress and improve your physical and emotional health. Look at what happened to you within a positive construct. Look for ways to be successful instead of dwelling on the bad.

Don’t assume people are after you. Take the position that your dismissal or failure to get an interview or promotion was not due to malicious intent. It’s just an unfortunate event. It’s not the end of the world. You can pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and get back into the job hunt.

become zen

One of the ways to achieve a sense of inner peace, to be one with the universe, and to attain enlightenment is to adopt some of the principles of Zen. Meditating, focusing on the here and now, and learning to accept the things you cannot control will create a healthier, more relaxed attitude.

Zen is the art of being in the moment and appreciating where you are. You don’t dwell on the past as it is intangible and cannot be changed. Likewise, don’t worry about the future because it’s not here. The key is to focus on each and every task you complete.

For example, most people get distracted during a job interview. Zen practitioners will pay rapt attention to the interviewer and join in the conversation without entertaining unnecessary thoughts.

Meditation and breathing techniques can help you calm down before a client presentation or public speaking. Before your interview begins or you take to the podium to give a speech, clear your mind with a quick meditation. Soften your gaze, take a deep breath for a count of four and hold it for a beat or two, then slowly release your breath for a count of four as well. You will be amazed at how much it helps you relieve stress.

Try manifestations

The art of manifestation is about thinking things and believing in reality. It is ready to realize your goals.

Start by thinking about what you want to achieve. Have a vision of your future. Put out into the universe what you will. This could be through talking to yourself, putting together a vision board, visualizing where you will be in five years, or sharing your lofty goals.

You can add mantras to help you. Mantras are repetitive thoughts that can affect your life. Saying your goals will help you achieve them. It will relieve stress and provide a surge of calm and a positive outlook. If you are looking for a new job or want to grow in your current organization, you can ponder the following mantras:

“I have all the skills, experience and background to get this job.”

“I deserve the promotion.”

“This setback will not stop me.”

“I will thrive and thrive.”

Have a drain valve

If you stuff all of your anger, resentment, and frustration into yourself, you will eventually explode. This could account for the aggressive behavior on social media and on the streets of major cities in the United States.

Instead of simmering with anger, look for ways to relieve your stress in a positive and productive way. It doesn’t have to be anything special. Go to your local gym or go for a brisk walk. Attend yoga classes or engage in hobbies that relax you.

A healthy diet and adequate sleep must not be forgotten. Avoid self-medication with drugs or alcohol. If you abuse your body and mind, you won’t have the energy and mindset to deal with the day-to-day inconveniences of the workplace.