We all know how much stress can compromise our success in any given task.
Think about it. You’re so busy worrying about something, that you’re distracted and don’t even notice what’s going on around you. We’ve all felt it at some point. In the moment, stress management may not be an option, as we may not even notice we’re stressed until we’ve had a chance to step back and pause.
How can we learn to work with our stress, as it is often our partner in the journey to success?
This past weekend, I experienced firsthand how stress can detract from an experience, as well as help drive me to my success.
In Colorado we are fortunate to have easy access to great hikes all summer long. It’s quite a luxury to have such beautiful scenery so near by. One precious gem in particular stands out for me.
I have become smitten with the Columbine.
Ah, the Columbine. It is my new favorite flower. I know, maybe it’s weird to have a favorite flower, but I can’t help it. When I see it, it fills me with joy. It also happens to be Colorado’s state flower.
Last weekend we hiked one of my favorite trails up to Devil’s Thumb. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
It’s also a bit of a grind, with a lot of uphill climbing that includes a few steep spots.
The trail winds up through a dense forest, and then emerges into the open mountainside. Once the forest clears, you see wildflowers everywhere.
As we trekked up past bright reds, purples, and yellows, we arrived at the top, both of us surprised that we didn’t see any columbines anywhere.
It was strange. It’s our state flower, so we seen it often.
We wondered what could be going on.
Then, on the way down, we were greeted with a most pleasant surprise… a beautiful, perfect, little patch of Columbines.
A few turns down the mountain later, we spotted an expansive stretch of them, mingled in with a bunch of the reds, pinks, and yellows– the same ones that we saw going up.
How on earth did we miss the Columbines climbing up, when we easily spotted them strolling down the same path?
We missed it because we were too busy and stressed trying to get to the top.
On the way up I distinctly remember the (at times incessant) chatter in my head:
I thought there were more flat spots on this trail. Was it always this hard? I’m tired, but I don’t want to rest yet. Push through. Remember, you chose this. You should love this. Okay, yes, you’re right. I do love it, but man, this feels harder than the last 4 times I did this hike. Are you sure you love this?
This self talk was my version of stress management.
While it didn’t remove the stress, it became my motivation to keep going.
Although I remained focused and worked hard to reach my goal to get to the top, the stress on my body and mind did get in the way of enjoying the full experience.
I was working so hard, that I didn’t even notice the Columbines as I walked by.
How often do we turn on the blinders in life?
We can get so caught up in the pain of what we are doing, that it’s all we see. Even with effective stress management, I suppose we will still sometimes miss the Columbines.
However, without A Why, the stress will not seem worth it and will get the better of us.
In that moment on the mountain, My Why and my stress management worked together to pull me up to the top.
It worked because I had several powerful Whys that reflected my genuine passions. They were supporting my own fitness, connecting with the beauty in the nature around me, and… oh yeah, my preparation for an upcoming trip to Peru!
Without My Strong Why and my stress management, I wouldn’t have made it to the top.
And still, I missed the Columbines. I wonder how we can have it all and still see the Columbines.
How much does this sounds like a day in your office?
You look at your schedule in the morning, and all you see is an uphill trek. You may even try to convince yourself that you chose this career. You chose become a dentist to help people. You like this, really you do. And yet, you know there will likely be some significant stress involved.
Some days all you feel is the struggle as you climb uphill, and without Your Why, your stress can be unbearable.
A lack of purpose may even make it harder, if not impossible, to manage your stress.
The hard uphill struggle (staying on time, a patient complaint, the third crown impression that won’t capture the margin you need, etc.) might prevent you from seeing any Columbines (the compliment a patient gave you, the perfect crown seat, the woman you helped get out of pain that day.)
How can we better see the Columbines that are right there in our every day?
Maybe it’s a smaller thing like scheduling some short breaks into your day. Just like you might want to rest during an uphill hike, a little breather at work can go a long way.
Maybe it’s a big thing like hiring and training the best staff to help you make the climb each day. It’s easier to get to the top with a support system.
It could be getting fit enough with more practice, and CE, so that the climb doesn’t feel so hard. When we are in better shape, the climb gets easier.
Or maybe that’s taking care of yourself personally through healthy eating, exercise, and taking time in your life to do what you love.
These things matter. We can find ways to work with our stress.
And if we’ve tried and tried, and we still struggle, that’s okay.
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