A Simple Framework to Handle Pressure with Confidence
Using GAIN to overcoming stress, resentment, and ego
What if we chose to be better for it?
I often encourage others to give more grace. I am talking about a genuine reaction of patience, kindness and understanding from your mind to your heart and expecting nothing in return.
Simple right? Not quite. Giving grace to your bosses, teammates, and, most importantly, family can be complicated, especially when tension or resentment exists.
The irony, the more "Important" you are perceived, the more challenging it is for others to give you grace. And in turn, there is an increased expectation for you to provide others with grace. Understand, though, that we ALL need grace. To add another layer, grace is not always logical. But we use logic to not carry the alternative, the burden.
The truth is we hold the power to give ourselves grace when we need it the most. We don't have to rely on others; if we do, we risk disappointment. In those moments when the pressure is overwhelming, home is chaotic, tasks are stacking up, and relationships are strained, we must step up and grant ourselves the grace we deserve first and foremost.
Why? Because when we give ourselves grace, we create the space to give it to someone else in return. The following is a simple framework for putting yourself in a grace-giving and receiving mindset.
Grace-As-It’s-Needed (GAIN)
Take a deep breath and reflect on what has actually gone right
Understand that the EGO is feeling the pressure and negativity, not YOU!
Don't take it personally (From others or yourself); Just take the next step
Reset expectations with yourself first and then others next
Be confident that everything is just a season of time; just focus on what you can control in the present moment
At the end of the day, we are wired to retain or unleash.
The more we walk around absorbing the strain of others around us and not finding the necessary mindset to release it before engaging, the more likely we will make a critical error and let the ego win. When the ego wins, it often leads to impulsive decisions, hurt feelings, increased stress, and loss of self-control.
It starts with re-GAIN(ing) yourself first.
~DRL