Stress Building Beliefs
Perfectionism
Do you feel a constant pressure to achieve?
Do you criticize yourself when you're not perfect?
Do you feel you haven't done enough no matter how hard you try?
Do you give up pleasure in order to be the best in everything you do?
Control
Do you have to be perfectly in control at all times?
Do you worry about how you appear to others when you are nervous?
Do you feel that any lack of control is a sign of weakness or failure?
Are you uncomfortable delegating projects to others?
People Pleasing
Does your self-esteem depend on everyone else's opinion of you?
Do you sometimes avoid assignments because you're afraid of disappointing your boss?
Are you better at caring for others than caring for yourself?
Do you keep most negative feelings inside to avoid displeasing others?
Competence
Do you feel you can never do as good a job as other people?
Do you feel your judgment is poor?
Do you feel you lack common sense?
Do you feel like an impostor when told your work is good?
Yes answers indicate potential road blocks to a stress-free life. Challenge these beliefs. Experiment. Try acting in a way that is opposite to your usual behavior. Then, evaluate the results. For example, if you feel overburdened because of a need to control, delegate a task and observe the consequences.
Become aware of how your stress-building beliefs affect your behavior. Replace them with more realistic and less stressful thoughts.
To talk to someone who cares about you and understands stressful thoughts, contact Creighton's Counseling Center 280-2733 or visit them in Brandeis 203!