4 Ways to Sit Down & Stand Out at the Same Time (Stress Less!)

Most of us have two speeds; busy and super-busy. Since stress can rob your health, peace and productivity, learning to “sit down on the inside” is key.  Sitting down on the inside is an art. You can be busy without being stressed. I know – it’s easier said than done. And some days I’m better at it than others.

4 Ways to Sit Down and Stand Out at the Same Time

1) Be Authentic. The fake it until you make it days are OVER. I do believe I hear a collective sigh of relief. You don’t have to keep up with the Jones’ or anyone else. You are enough. Yes, you heard that right – YOU are enough. Not you HAVE enough, but you ARE enough. The rest is details. And will come with time.

2) Worry Strategically. I didn’t say “quit worrying” because you would have quit reading. But consider this, psychological research shows that approximately 40% of what we worry about simply won’t happen and 30% has already happened. Statistically, another 10% of worries are over health matters and another 10% goes into the miscellaneous category. Most of these worries fall into the “things you can’t change category” which means they are totally a waste of time. BUT… if you want to do the math for yourself, at least start a worry tablet and categorize your concerns, then allot an hour a week to focus on your worry tablet. Sound ridiculous? Try it. At the very least, you’ll get some laughs….

3) Laugh Daily. I have this one mastered to the point I can teach it. Lighten up. Even if it’s just enough for a quick laugh. Whether it’s calling a friend who always has a humorous perspective, seeing what the post of the day is on the silliest Facebook sites – whatever it might be that strikes you as funny – listen for the sound of your own laughter. It’s good medicine.

4) Make Measurable (even if it’s tiny) Progress on Something Meaningful Every Day. An intensive study by two Harvard Business School Professors who authored, The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work, shows that people’s “inner work lives” matter profoundly to their performance. The authors advise to religiously protect at least 20 minutes – ideally, much more – every day, to tackle something that matters most to you. The progress, and the mini-celebration of simply noting it, can lift you.

Since success is a journey, not a destination, you have to pace yourself for the long haul and employ every secret advantage at your disposal.  Master the art of “sitting down on the inside.”  It will serve you well.