“I feel like this is something I’ve been capable of doing. I felt like if I put in the hard work and committed to the journey eventually it was going to yield some fruit.” R.A. Dickey
After toiling 12 years in the minors, this 35 year old NY Mets knuckleball pitching sensation is 6-0 this season. Called up from the minors on May 19th, Dickey never gave up believing in himself. He is the epitome of determination, optimism, and perseverance.
MAIN TOPIC: Stress Happens
When I was growing up, one of the saddest times for my dad was when he lost his mother prematurely, to an illness which could have been prevented. He got through the pain of losing his mother by distracting himself and throwing all of his energy into his work.
And whenever I balked at some responsibility or task, saying “No, I don’t want to do this.” My mom would reply, “It does not matter, PUSH YOURSELF to do it.”
Over the years, I adopted these action oriented coping styles. Although being solution-oriented and prolific do not get rid of stress or pain, these traits yield a positive outcome.
Stress and anxiety leads to productivity and success!
PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Use Stress to your Benefit
Through investing over a long time, my husband and I have amassed a sizeable net worth. That wealth comes from regular investing and compounding of the interest and dividends, combined with modest lifestyle choices. Additionally, we are very optimistic and solution oriented.
Every setback has a way out!
This disciplined and optimistic way of living has led to financial, personal and career success. Simply, success is culled from some smart habits practiced regularly. But don’t think I don’t know what it’s like to be lazy and unproductive; growing up, I was probably the most undisciplined, complaining procrastinator around!
Read on and find out how an optimistic approach and practicing strong habits combats stress and contributes to success.
Martin Seligman, PhD, author of Learn Optimism and founder of the Center for Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania describes two traits of the optimistic; permanence and pervasiveness. Optimists believe bad events are temporary and limited. Optimistic people tend to be more successful and productive. The optimist will find a way out of a difficult situation.
We have some additional stress in our lives right now. My instinct is to grab a box of candy, get under the covers, turn on the TV and never get out!
Instead of giving in to the pull to binge and hide, I fall back on the habits that have made me wealthy and strong.
Stress fighting success habits:
- Recognize and acknowledge that you are in a stressful situation.
- Give yourself a bit of time to feel the discomfort and map out an action plan.
- Don’t avoid the stressful event-figure out what you need to do to handle the unpleasant situation(s).
- Practice a positive determined attitude. Act as if you can handle the difficulty, even if you are depressed and scared.
- Persevere, towards your goals in spite of the discomfort and stress.
- If you have discretionary time, determine the most personally productive use of your time. Is it, revising the budget to find more cash to save, doing a home repair, or following up with a responsibility you’ve been avoiding.
- NOW, it is time to get on with your activities. Put ALL OF YOUR ATTENTION into doing the best job you can right now. If you are at work, focus, put in 100%, do not get distracted.
Does this sound simplistic? Actually, it is not complicated to develop success habits. Be optimistic, goal oriented, solution focused every day and success will follow.
ACTION STEPS:
Get a notebook and label it: “(your name) Personal Finance” and keep it by the computer. Use it to keep all of your personal finance goals, thoughts, activities, and plans.
- Right this minute-do one thing you have been avoiding.
- Jot down how it worked out for you.
How do you handle stress? What are your keys to success in money and life?
Photo credit: MSNBCMEDIA.msn.com
[...] Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance: Use Stress to Become Successful [...]
[...] persistence, discipline, follow through, and delaying gratification. In fact, learn to welcome stress and failure, because there is no success without those situations. This quick article will get [...]