This blog post is sponsored by a recent storm that hit Houston, bringing thunder, lightning, and heavy rain. The morning after the storm, I had an idea for an episode about dealing with storms in life. Storms, whether big or small, are inevitable as a human being. I remember a Bible study class where the teacher said we are either going through a trial (storm), coming out of a trial, or about to enter a trial.
When storms hit your life and affect your productivity, here are some ideas on how to deal with them:
- Stop and take a moment to think: When something unexpected happens, like losing internet connectivity, losing a major client, or dealing with a personal crisis, don’t have a knee-jerk reaction. Pause and assess the situation. Determine how bad it is and whether you’re overreacting. Take a moment to understand what’s happening and how it’s affecting you emotionally, mentally, and physically.
- Focus on the next step: Instead of worrying about the entire situation, focus on the next step you need to take. Adjust your plan accordingly. If your original plan is no longer feasible, create a new plan that will help you move forward from where you are now to where you want to go. Take your time and stay calm, avoiding impulsive decisions driven by anxiety or frustration.
- Extend grace and peace to yourself: Feeling overwhelmed or like your plans have been completely disrupted is okay. Remember to be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to reset and come back stronger. Take care of yourself emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
- Prioritize what truly matters: Sometimes, storms in life may require you to prioritize what’s most important. It may mean taking care of a loved one, putting work on hold, or adjusting your expectations for the day. It’s important to understand that not everything may go as planned, and that’s okay. Be flexible and adapt to the situation with grace and patience.
- Choose your reaction: Your reaction to storms in life is ultimately up to you. You can choose to have a knee-jerk reaction, get angry, or lash out, but it may not be the most productive approach. Instead, stop, assess the situation, and formulate a plan to help you move forward. Remember that storms are a part of life; how you react to them can impact your overall well-being and productivity.
In conclusion, storms are inevitable in life, and it’s important to be prepared to deal with them. By pausing, focusing on the next step, extending grace to yourself, prioritizing what matters, and choosing a positive reaction, you can navigate through storms and come out stronger on the other side. Remember that storms may disrupt your plans, but they don’t have to derail your productivity or well-being.