27. Know your Triggers

At the end of each day, reflect on the moments where you lashed out or got short with someone. Then, pinpoint the circumstances surrounding the experience. Were you working on a specific task? Were you working with a specific person? Were you unrealistic about time or availability?

Evaluate these self-reflections and develop themes around your “stress triggers.”

Add these stress triggers to your “don’t do list” (the opposite of your to-do list) or to your goal setting documentation.

A key element of the self-leadership process is self-reflection. Our tendency is to ignore these unpleasant experiences. Instead, give them attention and do your best to prevent them from becoming a bigger issue.