Focus on actions to take

When it comes to dealing with stress in general, a common mistake is to focus on the stress you feel. Instead, try to focus on the actions you can take, or not take, to deal with your problem. For example, “I do not enjoy my job, but I refuse to answer ads for other jobs because I’m afraid I will fail in the interview.” Now you have something specific to attack….. not the stress itself, but your reluctance to search for another job because you fear failure in an interview. The different focus will help you modify your thinking about stressful events. Also, do not automatically assume an upcoming event is a threat that will show you to be incompetent or stupid. Rather, view the event as a challenge that will give you an opportunity to show your skills.