Relaxing Into Resourcefulness (Part 1 of 2) Released by: Tracy James, MA, CPCC Web Site: http://www.daybreakservices.com How to be resourceful in stressful times Email: day_breakllc@yahoo.com Keywords: anger management, stress management, stress, executive coaching, anger Update Date: 1/28/2007 8:14:15 PM Hits: 123 Descrption:  What is resourcefulness? My definition of resourcefulness is the ability to respond to life situations in a way that is focused, creative and solution-oriented. When one is resourceful, one’s energy is utilized efficiently and not burned up in excessive fear and negativity. Resourcefulness allows us to be free of negativity, doubt and blame and act from authentic power. No matter what situations arise in your life, a resourceful response is available and choosing it will move you toward success along the path of least resistance. They say the shortest path between two points is a straight line. Your straight line is you at your most resourceful. Before we go any further, take a moment right now to notice what’s present in your body. Are you tense? Relaxed? On a scale of 1-10, (10 being the most tense you could be and 1 being the most relaxed) what number would you assign yourself at this moment? What number would you like to be experiencing right now? Noticing you level of relaxation is a great way to gauge your resourcefulness. If you’re a 1 on the scale, you might be so relaxed that you don’t really feel any urgency or need to focus on the situation at hand. If you’re at a 10, you may be so stressed that you are overwhelmed and have gone into fight, flight or freeze mode – none of which are the most resourceful. Each person has his or her own optimal resourceful range on the tension/relaxation scale. When you consciously operate from your optimal range, life becomes more fluid, productive and energized. When coaching people into their resourceful range, I find that there are some common ways that people resist being resourceful including: -attachment to anger/resentment/fear -self-doubt -lack of compassion -wanting the other parties involved to be resourceful first -overwhelm, frustration and confusion -lack of knowledge about how to respond differently -pessimism and/or resignation -difficulty disengaging from negative self-talk The most important thing is to BELIEVE that you can be more resourceful in tough situations, even with a difficult client or boss or a stressful financial situation. Intend that you can and will continue to grow your resourcefulness muscle and you will. Tracy James, MA, CPCC is a Life Coach, Speaker and anger management facilitator at Daybreak Counseling Service, a anger management education center in Van Nuys, California. www.daybreakservices.com