What is your reaction if I promulgate that stress experiences in your environment - whether work or personal - may not be negative, but on the contrary could be positive feelings? No, I am not out of my sound mental faculty! Truly, some kinds of stress in your endeavours can transpire a positive impact to you if managed positively and effectively.

To most people, facing stress over time likely leads to "distress", which could pose health risks like insomnia and hypertension. Definition of "distress": experience of anxiety, sorrow and mental affliction. When not well managed, this form of utter negative stress may lead to mental depression, possibly culminating to suicidal inclination.

But how does one attain positive elation by overcoming the otherwise negative impacts of stress episodes? Well....it boils down to a person's mind-set. Now, here comes my elaboration of my statement in the first paragraph by introducing the word "eustress". It entails stress that motivates or energises an individual to perform better for delivering goals. The situation depends much on the personal state of mind in responding to challenges. For example, an avid athlete coveting for glory (of winning championship awards) will be prepared to stress himself to the uttermost by undergoing strenuous workouts. To him, his strenuous workouts are a joy as he makes physical progress. When he finally reaches his dream accolades, the feeling of exuberant elation immerses into him with ecstasy. 

To positive-minded individuals who readily assimilate life challenges (whether in the form of problems, issues or trials - including in work, personal endeavours, or environment), the lack of "stimulated"stress can cause boredom. They accept such challenging stress will heighten their senses and improve their performance levels. Despite having to face physical cum mental demands, they envision ultimate achievements as exalted elation. Nevertheless, to sustain the positive mental state, they know how to "unwind" regularly too, like physical burnout exercises and meditation. 

Why many individuals feel emotionally distressed when encountering negative situations in work? Personal development cum leadership "guru" Dr. Steven Covey, in his Greatness Training Programme, listed out three main factors, viz. * No clear purpose or vision. * Under-utilised talent. * Bureaucratic misaligned system. He suggests the following mind-set change as follows:

(1) Soul search for path finding, with the objective of concluding clarity of purpose in personal life.

(2) Unleashing the main talent, in empowering competency to surmount obstacles, issues etc.

(3) Seek alignment - persevere to adapt to the situation. Re-focus both mental and physical energy to manage the situation.

(4) Synergise with others for mutual support. Build relationship.

(5) Formulate an effective strategic roadmap. To efficaciously execute tasks well, it invariably involves planning, prioritisation, time management, adaptability.

Another avenue is to attend courses in instilling positive mental attitude (PMA). Such will serve as bolsters, like:

* Understand the internal and external causes of negative thinking.

* Learn methods/techniques for switching from negative to positive mind-set.

* Creative thinking to convert challenges into opportunities.

* Handle workplace negativity.

* Tips on personal development.

* Problem solving techniques.

* Anxiety control and meditation.

* Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), incorporating topics like self-awareness, managing emotions, personal change techniques. 

Now, I cite the life story of Nick Vujicic (although many may already know who he is), the highly sought-after inspirational speaker on positive attitude building. His personal testimonies delivered to packed audiences have touched the hearts of many people. With an extremely rare congenital disorder called Tetra-Amelia Syndrome, he was born 40 years ago without limbs (no arms and legs), except a tiny foot on his left hip to support his ability to stand upright. Yet, he swims regularly, also could surf and skydive. 

He was utterly distressed as a young boy because he was bullied in school. He struggled with depression, so much so that he attempted suicide when he was 10 years old. His thought of his father's agony if he had ended his life, was the factor that prevented him from that. The turning point came when he was 17 years old - in a friendly encounter, the janitor of his high school sowed the seeds of thought into him that he should venture into public speaking. Four months later, he tested by sharing his story to a small group of 6 peers. Then at 19 years old, he addressed to an audience of 300 sophomore students. Thereafter, there was no turning back in his thrust to inspire other people. As one of the top motivational speakers now, he has travelled to more than 74 countries.

To Nick, fear is the real disability, not physical disability. His earlier distress about his physical handicap, and being mocked by other kids, let him to become depressed when he was 10 years old. However, the new insight of his ability at age 17 turned his distress to eustress. He accepted that there were challenges in life, and that it was about doing the best of what he had. It was his choice to define his own ability. In addition, he committed himself to Christianity, now drawing near to God via prayer to guide him in managing his time and making good choices. He declares: "My faith in God and my personal relationship (with Him) has given me the strength to go on, and the humility and grace to ask Him to change my life each day."

More (Nick's) quotes:

* The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph.

* I love life because I've seen my purpose.

* I have a choice. I can be angry about not having limbs, or I can be thankful that I have a purpose. 

* I encourage you to accept that you may not be able to see a path right now, but that doesn't mean it's not there. 

* Don't give up on God because God will not give up on you.

                                                (Article scribed on 24 November 2023)