Hot Topic Friday: March 6

Happy Friday! Here are my March 6 Hot Topics and how they relate to advancing culture or leadership.

Hot Topic 1: The Difference Between Worry, Stress and Anxiety.

Source: The New York Times, Emma Pattee.

What It’s About: Coronavirus? Supply chain? Relationships? Everyday life? There seems to be a lot of “hand wringing;” maybe more than usual these days? This is an excellent article to help us sort through worry, stress, anxiety and what to do about it. The following is a very brief summary:

“What is worry? Worry is what happens when your mind dwells on negative thoughts, uncertain outcomes or things that could go wrong. Remember: Worry is helpful only if it leads to change, not if it turns into obsessive thoughts.

What is stress? Stress is defined as a reaction to environmental changes or forces that exceed the individual’s resources. Remember: Stress is a biological response that is a normal part of our lives.

What is anxiety? Anxiety is what happens when you’re dealing with a lot of worry and a lot of stress. Remember: Anxiety happens in your mind and your body so trying to think your way out of it won’t help.”

Why It’s Important: I urge you to read the entire article. Being able to be self-aware and sort through the difference between each of these zones is very useful. As the authors suggest, we can consciously take first, simple but not necessarily easy steps to help regulate symptoms: “Get enough sleep; eat regular, nutritious meals; and move your body.”

One Millennial Response: It can be a little surprising how commonplace the term “anxiety” is used in casual conversation. People will often mention heightened anxiety levels, I know friends who have been prescribed drugs to battle it, therapy is encouraged and celebrated, phrases like Sunday Scaries are popularized and shared on social media. Then of course many self-medicate with substances like marijuana. 2020 is certainly a time of anxiety-acceptance, and I can’t help but wonder if this has always been the case, or now there are just more avenues to discuss it?

Hot Topic 2: The Trait All Unhappy People Have in Common.

Source: Medium.

What It’s About: This article explores the root cause of unhappiness, and one trait that seemingly most unhappy people all share. According to the article, “the root of unhappiness is an unwillingness to take responsibility for one’s life. It is remaining in a perpetual childlike state and wondering why the world doesn’t respond.”

The article argues that immaturity is the main reason people do not find happiness in relationships, personal health and maintenance, home life, family life, and ultimately their careers.

Why It’s Important: I constantly hear people wondering about what “they” are going to do to me in organizations versus what I will take responsibility for myself. Frankly, in organizations of low morale there is an imbalanced sense of victimization versus empowerment. And the reverse seems true as well. When you work with highly self-accountable people you can feel phenomenal strength. Everyone is asking themselves what they personally can do to make things better, rather than wondering what “they’re” going to do to me.

One Millennial Response: Y’know, interestingly enough I recently heard a theory that another issue (especially with the happiness of younger people), is that we can prioritize enjoyment over happiness. Perhaps another sign of immaturity. We might spend too much time seeking short term enjoyment instead of focusing on the planning, hard work, and design that goes into molding long term happiness. Made me think.

My Weekly Wine Recommendation.

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Shirvington Shiraz 2013.

And finally! Here’s Cecil’s Bleat of the Week!

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“Highly engaged employees make the customer experience. Disengaged employees break it.” - Timothy R. Clark.

Bye for now!

— Lorne Rubis

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Happy Friday! Here are my March 6 Hot Topics and how they relate to advancing culture or leadership.

Hot Topic 1: The Difference Between Worry, Stress and Anxiety.

Hot Topic 2: The Trait All Unhappy People Have in Common.

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