How To Make a Plan and Stick To It
Several years ago, I was nervous about doing a First Aid Course. I was afraid of what it would be like after I had completed it. If I were in an emergency, I thought, I would be completely responsible for saving whoever was in danger. And that I would fail, despite the training.
I could not avoid doing the First Aid Training - my job required it. So, I went and completed it. At the end of the course, I was not a paramedic or an ER nurse, but I felt reassured. And that surprised me! I wasn't feeling afraid of emergencies. I wasn't afraid of the responsibility that it might call me to. Rather, I felt equipped. I understood what I could assess and do in an emergency, and where I could rely on external help. I had a plan, and I was not alone.
Have you ever been in a situation where an emergency plan has saved your life? Or the life of someone you love? Having a plan, being familiar with it, and knowing what to do, relieves stress and fear.
Much more recently I was in an emergency. I had to step up and make decisions about the situation. Thankfully, we had a plan in place. And, alongside that, I was not alone. We were able to assess what was going on, assist the person in danger, and call for help.
What enabled me to stay focused and helpful in that situation were three things:
Having a plan already in place
Being able to assess and follow through on the plan
And seeking external help
Because of these things, I could act, despite the adrenaline rushes, and help the person in need.
Emergencies, where someone’s life is in danger, are not the only times where we could benefit in this way.
As I spoke about in the last post, messages and expectations bombard us all day. Often our stress levels are already high and all it takes is one extra thing to topple us. Having a High-Stress Release Plan in place can save us from taking a dive. To put one in place here are three things to consider:
How do you want to feel after you have executed the plan?
What tools might you need to execute the plan?
Who can you call on as external help?
I’ve put together a High-Stress Release Plan template that will help you construct such a plan. Download it, fill it out and practice it this week! Equip yourself before you encounter your own emergency. Whether big or relatively small, preparation will save you from future pain.
I would also suggest that you have a regular stress-release plan. One that you engage with regularly to keep your baseline low. Let me know how you go, or if you need more help, I’d love to hear from you!
Email me at rachel@rachelamycounselling.com,
