Focus Confidence Momentum

Stress happens. We regularly face events and situations that stimulate hormonal reactions in our bodies. Our reactions are survival mechanisms that we don’t control but if we understand what’s happening we can adjust our behaviour to succeed. To be competent ‘adjusters’ we have to be conscious of what’s going on.

So, for example, say you have a tough meeting scheduled this afternoon. In the run up to that meeting a typical natural reaction is to be anxious. And just as the meeting is starting a typical reaction is fear. We’re anxious and fearful because bad things could happen. We could fail. We could be embarrassed or shamed. We could be diminished. For the most part these are ‘hypothetical horribles’ in the extreme but we still have the fears.

When we’re anxious or fearful our body releases hormones. Scientists think that as many as 10,000 different kinds of hormones may be released at different times. Two of the most common are adrenaline and testosterone. Adrenaline is commonly known as the ‘fight or flight’ hormone. It’s effect is to increase our heart rate, blood flow and strength so if we choose to fight or flee we’re better prepared. In modern times neither of those two options is needed much so our adrenaline reactions need to be harnessed or eventually they wear us down [stress us out]. In the same way testosterone is released to help us be more aggressive. Very helpful in a real fight. Not so good in a business meeting.

So how do we adjust to the natural release of adrenaline and testosterone to achieve conscious competence. Here’s are some ideas.

1. Be aware when you are anxious or afraid. You can either actually feel it or know it’s there but subconscious. If it is subconscious your signals may be hot buttons like sweaty palms, insomnia or butterflies.

2. Pause to prepare a consciously competent response.
* This could be a potential problem analysis where you prepare in advance for negative outcomes. Sort of an if/then action plan.
* It could be visioning where you summon up a detailed image of success in a past similar situation.
* It could be refocusing where you double down on visualizing and rehearsing your intentions for the meeting.

3. Find something small you can carry with you that will trigger your adjusting responses. Some people might think of a lucky talisman or simple reminder notes.