When we are preparing for significant events in our careers, we tend to focus on preparation. If we have a big presentation to do, we practice until we are comfortable. If we have an interview for a new job, we research the company and its key players to ensure we have answers to obvious questions. If we have a project deadline, we manage our time and our team to ensure the best results. When we take this approach, however, we are only doing half the work of being effective and successful.

How often do you take the time to prepare your brain? What do you do to ensure that you keep that pivotal organ in the game, not just your body and actions? It’s fair to say that physical preparation is what controls the brain, but there are specific things you can do to ensure that it is as prepared as your body for those important career situations. 

The role of thoughts

Many people have the misconception that emotions just happen, that we have no ability to control how we feel. This leaves us at their whim, reacting purely based upon feelings. The problem with this is that emotions are subjective and don’t typically allow for logical or strategic thinking.

The truth is that you can manage emotions, but that starts with controlling thoughts. Every emotion we experience comes from a thought, which occurs consciously or unconsciously, then we experience one or more emotions based upon it. A challenge you (like pretty much all of us) likely have is that you recognize the emotion, but don’t take the time to identify the thought creating it.

In business this can be detrimental at best, dangerous at worst. If you are reacting from emotion, you might not make the best decision or choose the most effective path. You might be distracted, unable to focus your energy and attention on productive actions. Instead of functioning from peak performance level, you get pulled into a whirlpool that leaves you feeling out of control and depleted.

About author

I am certified in addiction counseling, public health, health education, mental health and I am also an AIDS-certified registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience and senior editor of mahila swast