Are These Three Mindsets Barriers to Reducing Your Stress?

Professional careers often come with periods of intense stress. In many cases, there's nothing — short of quitting — that you can do about the situation. When you're faced with difficult yet immovable circumstances, changing your mindset can help reduce stress and carry you through to the other side. Discouraging mindsets are hard to shake, but living with them will keep you mired in negativity.

"I Am"

Each time you say "I am," you're defining your personality, style and capabilities. When you're stressed, "I am" is often followed by a negative statement. "I am not great with details." "I am stressed." "I am not a people person." Although they seem insignificant, the cumulative effects of these tiny negative self-assessments can be damaging. Each negative statement effects on your subconscious — over time, you may start to accept the words as truth. These limiting beliefs can sabotage performance, inhibit innovation and make you doubt your own abilities.

To reduce stress, give negative "I am" comments a positive spin. Instead of "I am dreading this client meeting," try "I am confident and capable of wowing this client." Although it may feel awkward at first, self-cheerleading can be instrumental in changing your mindset.

"I'm So Busy"
In the modern workplace, being too busy is often seen as a badge of honor. Professionals often lament their constant activity, too-large workload and lack of time. After all, it feels good: If you're too busy, you must be working hard and achieving success. Unfortunately, the too-busy narrative comes with a great deal of pressure and stress. It can make you feel like there's no time for fun or that it's impossible to stay on top of your ever-growing to-do list.

Changing the "I'm so busy" mindset is no small effort. It requires you to change your mental narrative, prioritize work and delegate where possible. You must also set boundaries, learn to say no and leave work at work. The resulting feeling of control can reduce stress and help you achieve a better personal/professional balance.

"There's Only One Way"

Humans love routine. It's comforting, predictable and easy. Over time, however, routine becomes a security blanket that's difficult to shake. This mindset often makes you think there are no other viable solutions because you and your organization have always used the same approach. As a result, it can be impossible to see alternative options that might save time, improve productivity or reduce stress.

Continuing to do things the same way can cause a range of problems, both operational and interpersonal. To change your mindset, try throwing away all of your preconceived notions. Listen to coworkers, or bring in an outsider who isn't burdened by convention or experience. With this clarity, you can find innovative new solutions that reduce stress and increase profitability.

Your mindset plays an important role in how you see and react to your work situation. Changing toxic mindsets can automatically reduce stress and give you a new positive outlook.

Photo courtesy of patrisyu at FreeDigitalPhotos.net