Get Your Students Hired
It seems the older I am and more comfortable in life I become, all stress factors are reduced. I've also found that adjusting my priorities and relying on my faith contribute greatly to reducing, minimizing and nearly eliminating stress in the workplace.
Calvin,
I can identify with your passion to solve issues but after many years I know that most of the time it takes a team to solve issues and succeed. You mentioned you knew what your strengths are and weaknesses. Surround yourself with people as a leader with those people who can compliment your weaknesses with strengths and you will have a great chance of reducing your stress and achieving great accomplishments.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I think that it isn't only our priorities that have changed. Our perception of our roles and what we can and cannot accomplish have also changed. When I was younger and in my prime, I felt that I not only had the ability to solve an problem, but it was also my purpose in life.
With time and many opportunities for failure, I have come to grips with my abilities and some of the things that are beyond my control.
The stresses have become somewhat easier to deal with, but I want more. Which increases the stress and makes me need to seek more and better ways to deal with the stresses.
My wife often says that "I don't want you to fix it, I only want you to listen." but the man in me still feels the frustration of not being able to be Mr Fixit.
I am not sure how much wiser I am, but I do know that my priorities have changed. It is not the corporate ladder that motivates me any longer or the big paycheck (although that can be nice). My goals as I have aged as an employee have changed. I am supportive of my corporation and its mission. I am caring and concerned for the students in my classes. Doing a good job for my students, my school and myself are my motivations now. My personal life is a priority and it is very important to me to maintain that balance as you called it between the two lives I lead. This balance has greatly reduced my work stress and improved my personal relationships. I love where I am at and would never want to go back to those "young" days.
As we get older we sometimes do get wiser. You have proven this with your ability to squelch the emotion and look at challenges with a calm perspective. It is great you have a balance in your life and you share it within your faith.