How do I minimize stress?
I start off this question with the word “minimize” because I don’t think it’s possible to totally eliminate stress. Nonetheless, here are two ways I find helpful to minimize stress:
- Take the time to realize that as a leader you are never all alone. If you surround yourself with good people, often those brighter than you, and share openly the issues and challenges you face, you can definitely minimize the level of stress.
- Realize that things are never going to go exactly as you’d like.. Therefore, before worry, fear, pressure, anxiety, and stress start, ask yourself and your team “what are we going to do when (not if) something bad happens?” I decided through self reflection many years ago that I know what I will do when things turn down: (a) Try to do the right thing and (b) Do the best you can.
Of course, a great way to manage stress is to make sure you’re fitting in enough “fun” into your 168! For me, this usually means something to do with baseball, plays, and comedy. I was fortunate to enjoy all three this week:
- I had the opportunity to attend the last Cubs game of the season last Sunday (unfortunately, they lost in the 10th inning 😢😢😢). I now have to wait 190 days before baseball starts up again at Wrigley Field😁👍 Regarding baseball, something even amazing occurred this week. One of my Kellogg EMBA135 students in Miami, Matt LaPorta, played major baseball for the Cleveland Indians! And wow! Guess what he sent me yesterday?!
- Al Meyer, a good friend and former Baxter exec, produces plays at his local theater in the town of North Riverside, Illinois. Julie and I had the opportunity to see his latest musical production, “The Wedding Singer” there. It was lots of fun, and everyone had plenty of laughs.
- To make the week truly remarkable, I was able to attend the Steve Martin and Martin Short show, “The Dukes of Funnytown” last night! It was truly fantastic! These two crazy guys have been good friends and colleagues for 40 years since starring in “The Three Amigos” and “Father of the Bride.” If you have not seen these movies, I highly recommend you do, particularly if you’ve had a bad week and need a few laughs! It is hard to believe that Steve Martin is 79 years old and Martin Short is 74!
Wishing you all a great week!! 👍😁🥰
Thank you Professor Kraemer for your wisdom. You live the values you teach. Thank you.
Harry, I might also add being able to put the stressful situation in perspective. For me, that includes prayer and reflection. This might fit under your number one. And under number two might come a refrigerator magnet I got a few years ago – “Stress is what happens when your gut says no and your mouth says “yes.””