Coping strategies can change lifestyles.

As an entrepreneur, I found it easy to move from one project or problem to another, but I always had difficulty coping when I had to manage the details. Many business people are not coping with the fast-paced changes involved with modern business in a globalised world, leading to unnecessary business failures and significant health consequences.

This case study has been created to help those who are not coping. Finding the right coping strategies for all the different situations you will face during the various stages of your life can be difficult, but it will be worth the effort.

See a Case Study by Peter Sergeant in the Knowledge Base

Ups and downs are part of life.

Stress has been the main contributor to the problems and frustrations I have had in my life. I have experienced most of the main stressors in starting and running businesses, including employee and other relationship problems. Along with droughts, market failures, dumping, business failures, competition, coping with new technology, and some major health problems, I have always had strong family support.

One of the things I was taught early in life was never to be afraid to ask for help. I also learned that the more successful a person is, the more inclined they are to help you. My father used to say, “Speak to the butcher, not the maggots on the meat”. Therefore, you will be dealing with someone with more experience.

The ups and downs, the highs and lows, and learning to cope have given me the success and lifestyle I enjoy today. It’s inevitable that no matter how well-run the business is, unexpected problems emerge, setbacks occur, and crises arise unexpectedly. The difference between success and failure during these crucial moments is coping while knowing you will ultimately achieve your aspirations.

There are few guarantees in life. A good family, a lovely home, a successful business and plenty of money in the bank don’t guarantee that you won’t be faced with worry and stressful situations. I know many wealthy people who are decidedly unhappy despite their money.

Worrying is not the answer.

I have found that the things most people worry about never happen; they lose a lot of valuable sleep. Death and taxes are both inevitable, but with belief, you get a second chance at life with no taxes. Every good thing in your business or life will directly result from you changing something. Worrying is like having a car with a flat tyre. It’ll give you something to do, but won’t get you far until you fix it.

Often, I had to control my emotions before they took control of me, turning a potentially good situation into a bad one. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of actively finding the missing pieces in your life, not waiting for others to do it for you.

Who is going to help you cope better? You don’t have to manage on your own. There are usually no quick fixes.

Quotable quotes

“Focus on remedies, not faults”. Jack Nicklaus

“My troubles and obstacles have strengthened me. A kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you”. Walt Disney

“Once you find the coping strategies that work for you, write them down and give them all you’ve got”. Peter Sergeant