No big deal

I used to give the same level of importance to a lot of things in my life: a failed brownie recipe, a delayed email reply, missing a phone call, right alongside a critical project deadline or a major construction estimate mistake that could cost thousands of dollars. Here is something I learned through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps me a lot. I used to have intense reactions to simple things at work, like an email about a new incoming task or project. I would read it and immediately feel overwhelmed, as if I had to finish the task/answer right away. I had a CBT coach who taught me to pause and analyze what I was feeling by asking these questions: How am I feeling? Anxiety, lightheadedness, butterflies in the stomach, sweating, dizziness, a headache. Why am I having these feelings? I think I need to answer right away, but I don't have the answer. I have to stop and search for it. What happens if I don't answer the question or demand right away? The subcontractor won't…

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