RISE ~ CONNECT ~ DISCOVER

From Stuck to Strong: Taking Control of What You Can

Monday, January 20, 2025

TLO Newsletter Blog/Rise/From Stuck to Strong: Taking Control of What You Can

Unrealistic expectations can feel like an immovable force, with demands that seem impossible to meet. Every day, the pressure to perform flawlessly looms large, and no matter the circumstances, the expectation remains the same—everything must get done. The lack of control over the workload can be overwhelming, but there’s one thing you can control: how you approach the challenge.

Imagine this: instead of feeling buried under the weight of impossible demands, you step into each day with a clear plan, focusing your energy on what you can control and leveraging the resources around you to achieve your goals. The stress may not disappear entirely, but by concentrating on your strengths and leading with intention, you can create a sense of clarity and confidence that carries you through even the toughest days.

Let me tell you about Viktor Frankl, a renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. While enduring unimaginable conditions in concentration camps, Frankl realized that his captors could strip him of everything—except his ability to choose his response. He focused on small, intentional actions he could take each day, whether it was helping fellow prisoners or finding meaning in the suffering. By leveraging this mindset, Frankl not only survived but discovered a deeper sense of purpose that carried him forward.

While your situation is far different, the lesson remains: you may not control your circumstances, but you always have the power to control how you respond. By focusing on what you can do and leveraging your inner strengths, you can shift your perspective, find clarity, and lead with resilience. Let’s explore how you can make this happen through Rise, Connect, and Discover.

RISE

Focus on Your Response

Control What You Can – You may not have the ability to change the workload, but you can choose how you react to it. By focusing on your strengths and managing what’s within your control, you can create a sense of accomplishment and clarity in even the busiest days.

Action: At the start of each day this week, identify one aspect of your work you can control. Commit to handling that task with intention and focus, letting go of what is beyond your influence.

CONNECT

Build a Support System

Find Strength in Community – Unrealistic demands can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face them alone. Creating a network of trusted peers who understand your challenges can provide the support and encouragement you need to navigate the pressure.

Action: Reach out to one trusted colleague, mentor, or peer this week. Share a challenge you’re facing and ask for their perspective or support. Consider offering to listen and support them in return.

DISCOVER

Reflect on Your Impact Beyond Tasks

Rediscover Your Value – It’s easy to feel defined by what you accomplish each day, but your worth isn’t tied to the number of tasks completed. Taking a step back to reflect on who you are outside of work can bring perspective and renewal.

Action: Take 30 minutes this week to engage in an activity that brings you joy—whether it’s a hobby, time with loved ones, or quiet reflection. Use this time to reconnect with your sense of self and reflect on the values that drive you.

Unrealistic expectations may never disappear, but they don’t have to define your work or your sense of self. By focusing on what you can control, building a network of supportive connections, and reconnecting with your identity beyond the tasks, you can approach each day with intention and resilience.

"It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it."

— Lena Horne

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