A Guide to Stress Management … through the eyes of a Young Professional
Ah, stress! It’s a natural feeling, yet most people seek to avoid it.
Stress can play an essential role in encouraging motivation within professionals, but many people are so consumed with the dampening aspects associated with it, that they struggle to see past the negatives.
When starting out as a young professional, new to the workforce or to a role, stress management strategies will become your new best friend. As new pressures are placed against you, it’s common to feel enhanced levels of stress. It’s important, however, not to let these stressful elements prohibit you from being motivated to becoming your ‘best-self’ especially during the initiation of a new professional opportunity.
The internet is full of articles, blogs, apps and more to assist professionals to come to terms with stress. However, from one young professional to another, some of those tips don’t always resonate.
Instead, try these top tips to get you started;
Be proactive. Get ahead of the game! Complete anything available at present (or soon as possible) to reduce the stress of having to do it later. Is there anything that you could do to feel more prepared? Perhaps writing a short introduction of yourself would help you to reduce the nerves of being asked to introduce yourself on the spot. Do you need any new items for your wardrobe, stationery, or software? Complete absolutely everything you can now to eliminate the hassle of doing it later.
Research, observe and thoroughly understand the values of the company and employees. Do these match that of your own? Ensuring this match will make for a smooth transition into your new workplace or role. Working amongst shared values will ultimately establish an efficient and effective workplace culture, motivation, and productivity. Sharing the same values as those around you significantly enhances your opportunity to make a strong and positive relationship with your employer, stakeholders, employees and colleagues.
You must instill confidence within yourself and work as a self-assured professional. Be your own advocate and your own inspiration. Have confidence in your abilities and knowledge, and work your hardest to improve on your perceived ‘weaknesses’ unashamed of what they are. Repeat after me; “I am my own hero”.
It’s OK to make mistakes. Often, professionals fear making mistakes when starting a new role or at a new company. Mistakes need to be normalised throughout all aspects of life, regardless of your professional position. Letting the fear of making mistakes prevent you from challenging yourself, will stop your personal and career growth in its tracks. Making mistakes is what allows you to learn and progress to becoming your ultimate self. Aim for progress, not perfection!
Connections are key! I confess, at first I was skeptical about the word ‘connections’. Why on earth does a young professional, need to ‘connect’ with so many people? Be it on LinkedIn or in person, how could one possibly NEED to know all these people? I soon realised; the connections you make now may become significantly important as your career progresses. It’s important to learn who’s who in the career world and particularly your industry; starting within your current organisation. Build a network of supportive, like-minded people who you can lean on when in need.
And finally, realise that everyone has to start somewhere! Do you think all CEOs of a business just HAPPENED to land the top-of-the-hierarchy position fresh out of a Bachelor’s Degree? Of course not! They stood where you are right now, probably as intimidated as you’re feeling. To succeed and ascend this professional hierarchy, it’s essential to view this opportunity as an ‘opportunity’, not as a threat. Use this time to build resilience and skills, all of which will help you to feel a little bit more comfortable in the world of professional careers.
There are ways to manage the stress you, and thousands of others like you, are feeling. Don’t let this stress consumer your opportunity to grow. Just do your best, and let the rest be.
To read more about stress management and other areas supporting professional women, CLICK HERE.
Written by: Lara Taylor, a young professional female.
