Let’s be honest, work can be stressful. There’s always a deadline approaching, emails piling up and at times it feels like there’s pressure from every direction. But here’s the thing, how we perceive stress plays a huge role in how it actually affects us. This is where the concept of mindset comes in.

Think of your mindset as the lens you use to view the world. When you’re examining stress from different perspectives, it’s possible to either make small hurdles seem like mountains or to look at the situation and focus on the potential for opportunities for growth. So, how can we cultivate a mindset that empowers us to navigate workplace stress while maximizing our potential?

Is stress a friend or an enemy?

First things first, let’s ditch the villainization of stress. Stress is actually a natural human response that’s designed to help us rise to challenges and perform at our best. The point is to understand the difference between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). Eustress, often experienced as a pleasant “challenge accepted” feeling, can fuel motivation and focus.  It’s the kind of stress that you might feel before an important project, where you’re revved up and ready to give your very best.

Distress, on the other hand, is the overwhelming, debilitating feeling that can leave you feeling paralyzed and hopeless. This is the kind of stress that can occur when you feel overloaded, unsupported or powerless. The key is to shift your perception of stress and recognize it as a signal to adapt and find healthy coping mechanisms.

The Power of Reframing:

Now, let’s talk about the magic of reframing. This simply means looking at a situation from a different point of view. For example, let’s say you have a deadline that’s fast approaching. You can look at it as a challenge to showcase your skills and  problem-solving abilities. When you redefine problems as chances to develop yourself, it helps you face them with an optimistic and proactive mindset.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset:

Here’s the good news, a growth mindset isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a skill that you nurture and develop! There are a few ways to cultivate a growth mindset in your professional life like:

• Embracing challenges: Look at challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, not as roadblocks to success.
• Celebrating effort: Recognize and appreciate the hard work you put in. Celebrate the journey, not just the final outcome.
• Learning from mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes. It’s important to look at them as a chance to improve and refine your approach.
• Focusing on progress over perfection: Remember, the process  is just as important as the end result. Making small steps is better than not taking any action.
• Seeking feedback: Be proactive by asking for constructive criticism that will help you grow and improve your skills.
• Developing a sense of humor: Laughing is a great reminder that ‘It’s never that serious.’ It might feel like it in the moment but being able find the humor in the situation can be a powerful tool for managing stress and shifting perspectives.

Mindset in Action:

So, how does cultivating a growth mindset translate into real-world situations? Imagine you’re faced with a tight deadline for a demanding project. Here’s how your mindset can impact your approach:

• Fixed Mindset: “This project is impossible. I don’t think I’m good enough to handle this. I can’t handle this kind of stress. I’m going to fail.”
• Growth Mindset: “Every deadline is a challenge, but I know I can do it. I can break the tasks into parts, prioritize the tasks and ask for help if I need to. It can also be a great opportunity to learn from this experience.”

See the difference? A negative, self-doubting and powerless state is part of having a fixed mindset, while the growth mindset creates a more empowering atmosphere, a desire to learn and a proactive problem-solving approach.

Cultivating a growth mindset is a continuous process. There will be days when the negative thoughts creep in, but with consistent effort and self-awareness, you can gradually shift your perspective and unlock your full potential.

So, the next time you feel stressed at work, take a deep breath, reframe the situation and remember: your mindset is the key to turning stress to turning this into an opportunity for growth.

Need help with stress management? Get started on your journey to a growth mindset today with Zydii.