Three Word Podcast

Episode 280, Turn Stress into a Strategy!

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Episode 280: This episode is about turning Uncertainty and Stress into a competitive advantage.

When the numbers aren't there and a key client goes dark, how do you lead? This episode tackles the immense stress of uncertainty head-on, drawing from the work of psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer. Discover how to reframe uncertainty not as a threat, but as an opportunity to activate your highest level of performance and strategic thinking.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
  • Why uncertainty is the natural state and not the source of your stress.
  • How to shift from reactive autopilot to a strategic, mindful response.
  • A simple technique to ground yourself in the present when pressure mounts.
  • How to use "Maybe Thinking" to break free from worst-case scenarios and see new pathways.
  • The "Controllable Variables Scan" to focus your energy and restore your sense of agency.
  • A guided 60-second practice to immediately apply these powerful tools.
  • One actionable experiment to transform your approach to challenges this week.
    • Episode Timestamps:
    • [00:00] The High-Stakes Scenario: Navigating quarter-end pressure.
    • [00:45] Introduction: Flipping the script on stress and uncertainty.
    • [01:15] Technique 1: "Notice Five New Things" to break out of autopilot.
    • [02:05] Technique 2: "Maybe Thinking" to reframe catastrophic thoughts.
    • [02:48] Technique 3: The "Controllable Variables Scan" to focus on what you can influence now.
    • [03:30] Guided Practice: A 60-second exercise to integrate all three techniques.
    • [04:35] Your Weekly Experiment: One small step to take when you feel stressed by an unknown.
    • [04:55] Closing & Call to Action.
      • Actionable Takeaways:
      1. Ground Yourself: The next time you feel a wave of stress, stop and actively notice five new things in your environment. This pulls you out of a reactive loop and into the present moment.
      2. Challenge Assumptions: When your mind defaults to a negative outcome (e.g., "We're going to lose this account"), counter it with at least two "maybe" statements (e.g., "Maybe they are reviewing our proposal," "Maybe this is a chance to add more value").
      3. Focus on Control: In any uncertain situation, identify the single next action that is 100% within your control. Execute on that one thing to regain momentum and a sense of agency.

        4. Connect with Lisa:

        https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/

        http://threewordmeetings.com

        http://threewordpodcast

         

        Subscribe and share this episode with a colleague who is ready to excel under pressure.

        Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

         

         

         

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        Three Word PodcastBy Lisa Thal
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