There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. 

Malcolm X

We live in a world where expectations are consistently placed on our performance, by others and ourselves, leading to increasing stress levels.

Financial pressures, family issues, illness or sickness, trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and the happiness and health of those around us, all contribute to these stress levels. Research shows financial issues are rated as the top cause of stress. Of concern is also the increase in the number of people turning to gambling to manage stress… which is now as high as 1 in 5.

The relationship between stress and performance is beyond doubt. A certain amount can aid performance – too much and it leads to poor performance. In a team environment, this can have an impact on the effectiveness of the team – “A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo”. 

With much power in the heard –  how can we then speed up the herd? How can we help that slowest buffalo?

While continuing to focus on hitting our own goals and striving for our own version of extraordinary, consider: 

When was the last time you checked how other team members were doing?
When did you last offer to help those around you without expecting anything in return?
How can you contribute to the team dynamic? 

By regularly asking ourselves these questions, we may find out what’s causing the last buffalo to be slow and bring them back in to the herd.    

Have an awesome week!

Cheers

Paul

#striveforawesome