Generosity, the anxiety antidote

My anxiety was running high this week as I tried to prioritize the plethora of tasks required to get my new teaching assignment ready to go. Course outlines, student activities, organization of the shop, project plans, prerequisite plans, student lists, safety supplies, and on and on and on…

I could feel the overwhelm taking over.

While re-listening to a podcast between Seth Godin and Tim Ferriss, I was reminded of the fact that the meaningful work we complete is not about us, but rather it is for the people we serve.

As I reframed my goal of coming up with creative projects and engaging learning opportunities, not as a way to prove what a spectacular teacher I am, but rather, as a way to provide meaningful learning opportunities for the students.

Whether on the stage for a key-note speech, or finding a clever tax solution for a client, a focus on the people that we are helping, somehow makes the stress and anxiety evaporate.

As the joy of meaningful work, and the generosity of giving, replaces your inward focus on ‘your work’, notice the fulfilment that this brings.

• Now that’s a peak ethos.