We all have stress and pressure and a healthy dose of it is good. Where we get in trouble is when we allow the pressure to take control of us. As an example, when you’re running late because of traffic or you just couldn’t get out of the house in time, what good does stressing over it do? Does it get you there faster? No, of course not. So what’s the point of being stress about something you can’t control? There is absolutely no point at all!
How about when you have a deadline and you realize you can’t meet the timeline? What can you do? Can you get an extension? Can you involve others to help you meet the deadline? If there are no solutions, ask for an extension. If you aren’t able to acquire an extension, do the best job you possible can and suggest you revise the project within a short period of time.
You don’t need to provide excuses, simply provide solutions and options. Everyone has an occasion to miss deadlines, but it’s how we handle the situation that will make a success of the project or drive you to unreasonable stress.
How you manage your stress is a choice you make. So choose to use stress as a motivator, not a deliberator.
Sharyn Abbott 