This special series is a collaborative project with our strategic coaching partner Margi Bush.
The more you work in stressful situations, the shorter your fuse will become. In my case, one of the most stressful events is air travel. I’m on the road about 30-40 weeks per year. The worst season is Summer. Airports, TSA checkpoints, and planes are full of novice travelers and their families. Since I don’t really get a Summer vacation, I’m in work mode while the novices are in my commuter space.
But then mercifully, Summer ends and after Labor Day, the airports and airplanes are mine again.
Until I happen to see a family in obvious vacation mode. That pushes my buttons. They had their time. Three months of it. Now it’s my turn. I’m irritable and frustrated.
But then I remember taking my kids out of school for a trip when they were young. I was oblivious to the grumpy business travelers, of whom I have now become. I do my best to pop that pushed-in button back into the up position. I don’t hate kids, family, Summer, or vacations. I just like a peaceful commute.
By taking a close look at what pushes your buttons, you’ll be in a better position to deal with them properly and promptly. It’s a tough exercise, and like it did with me, it forces you to look at your flaws and impatient shortcomings. But give yourself the gift of honest reflection. We’ll all benefit from it.