All of us, barring few exceptions, like freebies. Whenever we read or see that something is free, we get attracted to it. Mostly we ensure that somehow we get those freebies. Many a times, especially when we buy some asset like a car, we demand for freebies. In short, we don’t mind accepting the things coming to us for free.
Tension is also something which comes to us for free and generally we take it. Many of you might find this statement funny. Many others may find it bit odd. But give yourself a minute, sit back and think. You will start agreeing with me.
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Because of my profession, I am always in the company of young generation. Often I hear about someone is under tension for something. The issue can be anything. Sometimes, it can be a bit serious like exam results, monetary problems, family problems et el. But most of the times, the issue are petty like getting late for something, not doing something on time, not able to make it before the close, missed the last date, forgot to do something and so on. Overall if you see, most of the causes are self-created, very few are beyond control and are legitimate.
Self – Created Tensions
The primary and perhaps the ONLY reason for Self-Created Tension is ‘Improper Time Management’. Whenever people have reached me asking for some help in solving their problems, I have found that the problem has occurred because of this only reason. Let me mention some incidences, where they seem my help;
1.    Can you please call XYZ? I have forgotten to submit the papers. He is your friend. Please request him to accept my submission.
2.    Can I borrow some money? I could not go the bank on time.
3.    Can I use my bike to reach the client place? I couldn’t catch the company bus on time.
4.    I am not sure about my exam results. I was not able to cover the syllabus completely because of time mismanagement.
Addressing these tensions is very easy. What you need to learn is plan yourself properly. Normally I ask a person to plan the complete time period first e.g. Exam Leave of 5 months. I ask to the total number of days available, over all the subjects. Then further drill down to 1 month plan, then weekly plan and finally daily plan. Those who have acted on this, have been benefitted a lot. Same way, you need to plan your next month, week, day for any other work or task.
This will also help in achieving your career goals. First you try to see yourself where you would like to be 10 years down the line. Break this period of 10 years in 3 or 4 parts and again see yourself where you will be at each stage. Break this further to yearly plans and so on. I am sure your success ratio will be very high.
Events Beyond Control
I accept that there will be many events, the happening of which is beyond your control. These events at times change the whole course of person’s life. But once again the problem cannot be handled by taking tension. At the first moment, you should have Plan B in your mind, presuming something else will happen. This helps a lot in bringing back the situation on track. In case of total derailment, I would advise to think to yourself for some time, try to calm down and accept the situation, which you cannot change. If you do this and keep your cool, I am sure you will come out with some new idea.
I know it’s easier said than done. Believe me, I have done this many times and I have succeeded. That’s the only reason, thought of sharing with you. Whether to take this thought or not, is up to you, but for sure, please do not take tension. That’s all.