Grand Prix metaphors and managing pressure to avoid stress!

Whilst working with a very stressed client a powerful metaphor occured to me. The client loves motorsport ( important fact the value of which will become clear)

The client was anxious, having trouble sleeping and looping around in very negative thinking patterns about work. His level of self confidence was rock bottom. High levels of performance were being expected of him and he was working 15 hour days ( yes 15 hours) and taking work home at evenings and weekends. This enabled him just about to keep his head above water although he was exhausted, knew his performance was slipping and yet could see no way out.

He agreed with my analogy , on the hamster wheel and going too fast to think about ways to slow it down or get off!

Work life balance- NONE!

I coached him using various NLP tools and techniques to eneble him to regain a sense of control an dindeed to experience one such as he had never done before.

To begin with his own panicky internal dialogue was so loud most of what I said was lost.

So-- I talked about Formula 1, Grand Prix and his love of and passion for motorsport. He lit up as he talked about drivers, circuits and cars! All of which I happily admitted I knew very little about yet was pleased that his endorphin levels were increasing and his brain chemistry was changing before my very eyes!

We talked about the intricacy of these high performance cars and the sophisticated engineering, the care and attention and skill that is needed to build and importantly to maintain them.

Servicing is vital and attention paid to every nut bolt, tyre and panel. They are nurtured and serviced before a race and then during, pit stops are of paramount importance to make sure that the car is performing to it's highest level.

At this point I said, so, and back to you then!

He smiled as the light bulb went on!

Now we could move forward!

Have you had your pit stop today?

Enjoy your week

Bridget