After reading each of the posts on stress it is time to take action. Stress is the direct result of feeling like there is too much to do - relationship issues, deadlines to meet and feeling like we have lost control of our selves, our lives and sometimes even our feelings. In the martial arts what we teach students is the Black Belt Success Cycle.

The Black Belt Success Cycle goes like this:

Know what you want
Have a plan and a success coach
Take consistent action
Review your progress and renew your goals

Here is how this relates to reducing stress.

1. First you must know what you want / or what the problem is. Can you identify what you feel is wrong. When, Why and Where is it happening? What would you like to see happen that would make your life better? What is your goal?

2. Brainstorm some ideas of how to reach your goal. They do not have to make sense to you right now and you do not have to think of the perfect plan now. Come up with as many different ways that you believe you could solve the problem. If you cannot think of any, talk to your supporters for their ideas and then write them down. Now it is time to select a solution. You will want to have a ‘success coach’ too, as you weigh your different options and they can help you stay on track. Pick a coach that you believe will help you reach your goal and that you are comfortable with.

3. Commit to working your plan and take consistent action. Persevere and do not give up. If you have a ‘success coach’ they can help guide you and keep you on the path you have chosen, but you must be determined to not give up.

4. Review your progress. Is what you are trying working or not working? Do you need to tweak a part of it or try something new altogether? Has something changed for you, are the circumstances or end results the same as when you started on this path? Regularly checking in and then renewing and sometimes revising your goals will keep you feeling like you are in control of your life and the decisions being made that effect you.

Making decisions and choices about your life is a key part of reducing stress. In our next series of article we will discuss how to make the best decisions possible so that you stay on the path that will make you feel the best and result in the success you want out of your life.