This year has been a whirlwind of new adventures! The hardships of the oil and gas industry have only illuminated the passionate spirit of our members and THAT is EXCITING! #SPEluv Although I am a member of the SPE Staff, I wholeheartedly identify myself as apart of our member community. This sense of belonging/loyalty has intensified my workload. I find that I internalize things that are beyond my reach until they manifest into the Big Monster named Stress!
So how do we as community leaders take on the overwhelming desire to be successful? Because after all success is more than just a number, it’s a means that defines us.
I want to introduce how I am learning to manage this BIG Monster we know as S-T-R-E-S-S!
Tips for Training the S-T-R-E-S-S Monster:
- Don’t Internalize. Every problem is not your problem. Every malfunction did not happen because of you. Think about yourself as a conduit of resources. Focus on your successes and not your failures. As a community manager, it’s not your job to always be right.
“As soon as you stop focusing on yourself, then you will be able to help others.”- @Marinma Dorado
- Be #Authentic. The quickest way for stress to snowball is by denying yourself the ability to be authentic. Often times we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. Expectations that no human can achieve. Why? Our community members don’t want perfection, they want a real experience. So be real! As soon as you allow yourself to make mistakes, then you will find meaning in your role.
- Live in the Present. As industry leaders, we find ourselves always looking to the future. We wear so many hats and it seems we often get lost in the trenches trying to jump to the next task. Experience the present to it’s fullest. Savor the feeling of accomplishment, you deserve it!
- Remember Yourself. Don’t neglect yourself-- get ample sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and spend time with yourself. That sounds strange but surprisingly we need these reminders. Be your own best friend. You are the most aware, that anyone will ever be, of your feelings. Trust your instincts and be true to them.
- Be #Aware. We all know what it’s like when “life happens!” Remember that your team members/colleagues are just people too. Don’t get hung up on the little things. Offer empathy rather than enmity in difficult moments because you never know what your neighbor may be going through. Relish in their victories. Shower them with support in times of need. Recognize that we are all unique and celebrate that diversity! #Love what you do and those around you.
- Be Contagious. If you love who you are, then you will love what you do. What more can we ask for?
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” - Henry David Thoreau