Expect and prepare for change

People often feel pressure to listen to complainers because they don’t want to be seen as callous or rude.

Avoid this by setting limits and distancing yourself when necessary. Ask complainers how they intend to fix the problem. They will either quiet down or redirect the conversation in a productive direction.

Difficult people drive you crazy because their behavior is so irrational. 

Distance yourself from them emotionally and approach your interactions like they’re a science project (or you’re their shrink). You don’t need to respond to the emotional chaos -- only the facts.

When you are in a stressful situation, do not allow your mind to imagine the worst-case scenario. 

Focus your mind on something positive.

The "what if" line of questioning induces panic and lets you focus on imagined situations that escalate the problem.

Focus on the facts and work on a solution.

Journaling can be great for getting stuff off your chest and to become more self-aware. Often, we are unaware of our negative thoughts and miss the chance of challenging them — but writing regularly can help with that.

You can create a two-column journal. In the first column, keep notes on any self-criticism that comes up throughout the day. Later, rewrite the first column in more empowering or positive ways to reframe it.

If you’re beating yourself up over something, picture someone that you love in your shoes and think what would you say or do to support them. This allows you to take a step back and practice a little self-compassion, it can help to keep things in perspective.

Some people allow fears to keep them stuck in their situations. Fear has the ability to keep you stuck and control your mindset.

You can silence it by stating this fear out loud and becoming familiar with the worst-case scenario.

“You Don’ t need permission to chase your dreams. Go execute.”

• They spend money on others. One reason is that it creates social connections.
• They celebrate other people's success through "active and constructive" responding.
• They treat everyone with respect and kindness. Kindness, like happiness, is contagious.
• They're proactive about relationships. They work on maintaining their relationships.
• They express gratitude. It improves mood and energy and decreases anxiety.
• They engage in deep, meaningful conversations.

• They're optimistic. Bad things happen to all of us. Happy people don't complain, whine or let pessimism become a self-fulling prophecy.
• They view problems as challenges. They focus on solutions to the problem and reflect on what they're grateful for.

• Walking meditation. “We weren’t meant to sit in cubicles all day and when we disconnect from nature, we suffer a lot of stress.”
• Red light meditation. While stopped at a red light, turn off your radio and focus on deep breaths.
• Running/cycling meditation. If you run or bike, leave your headphones at home and focus on the experience.
• Eating/drinking meditation. As you eat or drink, focus on the various flavors, textures, and sensations of the particular food or drink.
• Waiting meditation. While in line, observe your breath or surroundings.
• Task-related meditation. For example, washing your hands, folding laundry, taking a shower, washing dishes, or brushing your teeth can serve as mini-meditations if you focus on the experience and stop your mind from wandering.

In the face of uncertainty, it is natural to hold on to the status quo and stick to as-normal-as-possible routines and tasks. This can work when the context is predictable, and the goal is clearly defined.

However, during periods of volatility and stress, a taskmaster mode could be a mistake. The individual can feel pressured or obligated, which will make them negative. It is more important to prioritize your team's needs and create an environment of trust and support. It will unleash positive emotions, and the person is likely to feel more confident, hopeful, and willing to consider new ideas.

We can follow six steps to help others, using the acronym “REACH”:

• Resonance. Check in with each person without discussing a list of tasks. The goal is to create a supportive and positive relationship.
• Empathy. Shift your concern from wanting to be understood to understanding others.
• Awareness. Be aware of your mindset and emotions. Emotions are contagious.
• Compassion. Try to focus on the needs of others and encourage caring and warmth to help another person in their development.
• Hope. Spreading positive emotions will uplift others when you help them to picture a brighter and better future.
• Humor. Stress shuts us down to new ideas and experiences. By keeping things light, you remind others to keep smiling. In turn, it will reduce stress and increase satisfaction, productivity, and performance.

• Mentally remind yourself of your present action: Use self-talk to direct your focus back to the present moment.
• Focus on your senses: Direct your attention back into your body and out of your head.
• Do things differently: Make things more challenging. As a result, you are forced to act consciously instead of acting on autopilot.

When we feel stressed, our brains release a chemical called noradrenaline. Noradrenaline increases arousal and alertness, it increases the formation and retrieval of memories, and it focuses attention. It also increases restlessness and anxiety.

If we find ways to control and handle stress emotionally, we can use it to our advantage. It can sharpen our brain function and increase creativity, and eventually make us happier and less anxious.

Symptoms of stress, like a dry mouth and a racing heart, are the same as excitement. Research confirms that when people are in stressful situations such as public speaking, instead of telling themselves to calm down, reframing the situation as exciting helps to ride the wave of stress.

Anxiety can drain you and decrease your confidence while reframing your anxiety as excitement will increase your performance.

It describes people who enjoy the arts and new experiences. Possible facets:

• Fantasy: they have a vivid imagination
• Aesthetics: they believe in the importance of art
• Feelings: They experience emotions intensely
• Actions: They prefer variety to routine
• Ideas: they like complex problems
• Values: they tend to vote for liberals.

People that score high on this are organized, methodical and tend to keep going and going. Possible facets:

• Competence: they complete tasks successfully
• Order: they like order
• Dutifulness: the follow the rules
• Achievement-striving: they work hard
• Self-discipline: they get chores done right away
• Deliberation: they avoid mistakes.