In a business environment, fire fighting is not a sustainable practice. Going from one crisis to another will slowly wear you down and cause problems in your life, in your relationships, and in your business.

One of the big challenges I face in working with clients is getting them to stop fighting fires and to focus on tasks that will improve their business and increase their income.

Part of the problem is time management, but the other part is breaking the habit of being in crisis mode all the time.

In other words, the challenge is getting them to slow down enough to do what really needs to be done rather than focusing on the crisis of the moment.

Constantly fighting fires in your business leads to stress. And stress can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, depression, diabetes, and many other illnesses. Some say it can even lead to the development of cancer.

So why would you choose to stay in fire fighting mode and put your life in jeopardy just to deal with a temporary crisis at home or at work?

There is no getting around having some level of stress. And certain types of stress can be good. These types of stress can spur you to take action.

We all have to deal with stress on some level. But how you deal with it will determine how much enjoyment you get out of life.

The first step in dealing with stress is to become aware of your habits, your attitudes, and your excuses. Are there unhealthy habits that are contributing to your stress level? Are there underlying attitudes or belief systems that make it difficult for you to deal with certain situations? Are you making excuses ... or taking action?

Once you are aware of your habits, your attitude, and the excuses you are making for being so stressed out, it's time to take charge.

Take charge of your emotions, your environment, and the situation. Ask yourself what you have control over at this very moment and take charge of whatever you can control and let the rest go.

What lessons can you take from your current situation that will prevent whatever is causing your stress from happening again?

Take a little time for yourself. Just 1 - 2 minutes of meditation can dramatically decrease your stress level. Five minutes of exercise, such as a short walk or stretching, can help decrease your stress level. You can do these things whether you are at home or in the office, if you are motivated enough to change your current situation.

Today is your day to get out of fire fighting mode, reduce your stress level, and start having fun. Give yourself this gift. You deserve it.

To Your Success,