One thing I have learned about myself is that the most stressful situation I can be in is to have a problem and not know what to do about it.  If I will take the time to write down a plan of attack, even if the list is massive and includes things I need to figure out, just the fact that I know what to do next is the best way to de-stress.

There are certainly times when I need to get away.  Even if for an hour or the evening or maybe a week.  I always return from vacation refreshed and inspired by new ideas.   However, if it is just about taking time off, the problems still exist when I get back.  Developing a plan of attack leads me to conquering these foes.  In the long run, overcoming challenges will lead to a better quality of life with less stress.

Just this morning I sat down with one of my team members to develop a plan of attack.  The problem is still just as complex.  We are still a long way from solutions.  We are still a long way from implementation and resolution.  However, we have a direction and a method to jump into the middle of it.  About two-thirds of the way through the conversation, he stopped and remarked: “I think we may be onto something.  I think we’ve just made a discovery.  At least it has never seemed this simple and straightforward before.”

Sounds like he agrees with me. The best way to de-stress is to sit down (or stand up at a whiteboard) and make a plan.