"…the storm subsided, and all was calm." (Luke 8:24)
As a Physiotherapist, I assess and treat people who have pain. It could be a pain in their leg, arm, neck, or back. It is essential to determine where the pain is coming from as, sometimes, the cause of the problem is not actually where the symptom is being felt. Even though the pain is in their calf, the cause may be an irritated nerve in their back. Although the pain is in their elbow, it may come directly from their neck. If I do not determine the core root of the problem, I cannot help them resolve their symptoms.
This is similar to the storms we experience that cause us pain and stress. We require a process to decrease the pain or anxiety we are dealing with, and one such process is called "The 5 Why's".
The 5 Why's was initially developed by Toyota to improve its operations by determining the root of a problem they were facing. It involves asking "Why" repeatedly until the "bottom line" of the problem is determined. This approach is helpful in both business and in your personal life.
The 5 Why's is a simple but very powerful tool to lead you in a process that helps you go deeper in your understanding of the issue. To unpack what is really going on. As I have used it to improve my business' operations, I have also depended on it from a Biblical perspective by returning to God's Word to deal with concerns, conflicts, and crises.
Is there something at work that continues to be a chronic stress for you? Have you tried to deal with it but have yet to be successful? The 5 Step Survival Guide will help you determine the root of the problem and then discover what God wants you to know.
The first step in the 5 Step Survival Guide is to state the problem.
This week, take time to determine what is really bothering you. Be specific. Don't just say, "I am stressed at work," but clearly state what it is that is stressing you, such as:
"I always stay late at work, and my family is upset I am not spending time with them."
"My boss is asking me to do too much work."
"My employee is undermining me."
"My manager is making fun of me."
It may be something that has been bothering you the most, what has been going on the longest, or what you want to work on first.
The important thing is to make a start on dealing with a storm in your life. I have broken down this self reflection process into 5 smaller guided parts to help you narrow things down:
Monday: List the positive things about work and what you enjoy about your work environment and responsibilities.
Tuesday: Make a list of the things which are stressful for you at work.
Wednesday: What are the top two most stressful things for you?
Thursday: Choose one issue that you would like to work through.
Friday: In one sentence, state precisely what is bothering you.
Taking This to God in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, love, wisdom and direction. Right now, I am dealing with some difficult situations at work which I have not yet been able to resolve or have peace about. Please give me the wisdom to understand the real problem and the knowledge & understanding to calm this storm Your Way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
May God richly bless you this week as you trust Him to help you clearly define the stress you are experiencing. Have a wonderful week, and I look forward to sharing Step 2 with you next month!
Bonny, Christian Women at Work