Fuel for Thought

Positively Less Stressful

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is just ahead, this can be a very stressful time of year for many truck drivers. With family obligations to meet as well as pick up and delivery deadlines and the added traffic, stress can overwhelm even the coolest heads.
Instead of looking at all the things you have to get done as a whole, break it down into smaller, less stressful, more manageable segments. Breaking it down into smaller pieces is what you do everyday anyway, so just apply the same principle to the increased mental workload of this time of the year. You wouldn’t plan a long trip to go directly from point A to point B, you would plan for rest breaks, fuel stops, meal breaks and parking along the way. Schedule in the time to handle your additional holiday obligations too.
When you are driving stressed, you may not even know it. The agitation creeps in from dealing with other drivers, traffic delays and unscheduled stops. Take a short break to clear your mind and resume your trip.
Even with all you have to juggle this time of year, you will still have to deal with inconsiderate drivers blocking the fuel island, distracted drivers and maybe even law enforcement. Try to keep a positive attitude. You will be less stressed and have an easier drive.
If you focus on the positives throughout your day, you will not be as tense when your drive is done and the drive itself will be more enjoyable. Also, when you look for positivity in your surroundings, you will see more of it. The adverse is also true, when you only focus on the negativity around you, that will be the only thing you see, adding unnecessary stress to your day.
It is easy to descend into negativity, if that is your primary focus. You are also more likely to see negativity if you are being the negative person or driver. When you project positivity, you are far more likely to receive positivity back. Be kind. Be courteous. Be the example for others to follow. Be the professional driver you should be.
You are not a magnet. Your negative will not attract positive. Your positive will not attract negative. Misery might love company, however, so does happiness.

You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.
 -  Ralph Marston

See you down the road,
Greg