If you checked out the list of 52 stress reducers you probably noticed how many of them had to do with preparing ahead- get ready for the day ahead the night before, do preventive maintenance for your body (get that mammogram and those teeth checked regularly, etc.).  Rudolph Giuliani’s preparing his city for disasters man-man and otherwise helped him think clearly and avoid the overload of stress that 9/11 could have produced for him. As it was, he called on his fire department personnel and other city employees and got shorter response times and more effective action because they had prepared for difficult challenges (biological weapon attacks, bombings, etc.)

This week I found myself nervous about pulling together a team with a colleague to do a five month plus project.  Then I remembered Giuliani’s speech and I thought, OK, the best thing I can do is prepare thoroughly for what I know needs to be done and engage my teammates in the process.  So, I laid out plans for making multiple decisions and getting their input as we went along.  In an hour and 15 minutes we accomplished a great deal and the team left the call feeling energized and excited about what we were all creating. 

One of the bonuses of preparing well for one project is that our learning is there to access for other projects.  By being proactive we are smoothly the pathway for future success and preventing unneeded stress.

• How have you successfully reduced your stress and that of others through preparation?
• What works for you in making preparations?

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