How can you reframe a stressful moment?
The Challenge
Think back to the last time something happened that made you feel frustrated or stressed. Maybe you missed your bus or a coworker didn't give you their part of a project by the deadline. While it's easy in the moment to think, "Why did this happen to me?" try to reframe the questions as "Why did this happen for me?" What good came from this otherwise bad event? If nothing else, your answer could be that it gave you a chance to practice patience.
Why do this?
Most jobs involve periods of high stress, and managers will notice how you handle these times. (By the way, if you noticed that this challenge is similar to another one you've done, you're right. It is! We developed a series dedicated to appearing unflappable in the midst of stress, and this challenge is part of that series.)
A calm appearance matters, even when you feel you're just barely able to keep on top of all the tasks and deadlines looming over you. Seeming cool and collected in these situations will impress your supervisors. And if you're leading your own team, it will help your employees to feel less stressed as well.
What’s next?
Now try this reframing in the moment, the next time something negative happens.
