Panic is always a lie

Have you ever felt panic at work? 

Let me set the scene…

You’re happily working away at your desk. An email pops into your inbox from a client. They point out an error in a draft doc you recently sent through. Another email immediately pops into your inbox from the partner on your team. Forwarding the client email. Subject line: “What is this?! Let’s discuss ASAP!” 

Instant panic. 

Thought process: “Oh my god. I’ve screwed up. What was the mistake? How did it happen? How angry is the partner? … etc. etc. “ 

Cue, manically scrolling through the document and past emails in a desperate attempt to figure out whether it’s your fault and how to fix it.  

I need a holiday just thinking about it! ☺ 

So, in case that sounds familiar, let me offer you this thought…

Panic at work is ALWAYS a lie. 

Your brain sends panic because it interprets your boss being angry with you as life threatening. It releases a giant dose of adrenalin to help you escape or fight. 

That is the purpose of panic. 

To save your life. 

But your life is NOT in danger at work. 

Not true for everyone around the world. But true for you. 

So next time you feel the panic setting in: 

• Stop for 30-seconds.
• Take 3 slow deep breaths to slow your heart rate. 
• Remind yourself that panic at work is ALWAYS a lie. 

Your boss is not a lion. 

They can do their worst… and you’ll still be fine. 

A mistake in a document is not life threatening. 

You’ll figure it out.

Everyone will be ok. ☺