As we conclude our four-week journey exploring anxiety in the workplace, we return to the topic of spirituality. While this subject may not resonate with everyone, for those seeking to integrate their spiritual life with their professional world, it offers powerful insights for managing anxiety and finding peace.
The Illusion of Control
One of the primary sources of workplace anxiety is our tendency to ruminate on matters beyond our control. We often fret over outcomes, decisions, or circumstances that are ultimately not ours to determine. This misplaced focus not only increases our stress levels but also distracts us from the areas where we can make a real difference.
Defining Your Circle of Influence
In any workplace, each person has a defined role with specific responsibilities. Understanding and embracing your role is crucial for maintaining a sense of purpose and reducing anxiety. Here’s how to approach this:
- Own Your Role: Learn and accept responsibility for tasks within your purview. This creates a sense of empowerment and purpose.
- Seek Help When Needed: Asking for assistance doesn’t diminish your responsibility; it shows wisdom and teamwork.
- Navigate Unfamiliar Tasks: When assigned something outside your expertise, confidently negotiate. You can request reassignment to someone more suitable. Ask for a delay to acquire the necessary skills. Discuss the possibility of canceling if it’s not critical.
Remember, being assigned a task doesn’t automatically mean you must do it, but it does mean you’re responsible for ensuring it’s addressed appropriately.
Spiritual Perspective
From a spiritual standpoint, being in constant communication with God can provide clarity and peace. Acknowledging our limited scope allows us to work more effectively, focusing on what we can control.
For the rest, in prayer, acknowledge where it is affecting you and express what you desire. Have no preconceived idea how and when your desire will be met – just that the issue will be resolved and, or you will mature in the process. You’ll walk away with the reassurance that God is in control, He loves you, He knows everything, and the outcome will be for your good and His glory.
This approach prevents us from spreading ourselves too thin by trying to handle tasks that are beyond our capacity.
When we embrace this mindset, we often find peace, joy, contentment, and satisfaction—the very opposite of anxiety. By understanding and respecting the boundaries of our control, we can create a more harmonious and less stressful work environment.
Practical Steps to Implement This Approach
- Start Each Day with God: Start with prayer and meditation. Be deliberate and not ritualistic. Take a moment to identify what’s truly within your control for the day ahead.
- Practice Mindfulness: When you catch yourself worrying about things beyond your control, gently redirect your focus to God. What’s His perspective on this matter? Also, please remember our last article on staying in the present.
- Communicate Clearly: Ensure your clients, colleagues, and superiors understand what you need and what you are promising them.
- Embrace Learning Opportunities: View challenges within your role as chances for growth rather than sources of anxiety. Acknowledge – who you are today should be different from who you were yesterday and who you will be tomorrow. Embrace the new creation you become each day.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this series on workplace anxiety, remember that finding peace often involves recognizing and accepting our limitations. Focus on what you can control, do it well, and be confident that God controls everything. In doing so, you’ll likely find that anxiety diminishes, replaced by a sense of purpose, peace, and satisfaction in your work.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
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#consultant #anxiety #spirituality
First published on Linkedin – September 25, 2024