Just breathe, Bryan

I wrote a lengthy fair use analysis on an internal work P2. I’ve done it before. However, when I read, say, or type “fair use analysis,” my breathing becomes shallow. How could I feel confident in my abilities to make that analysis coherent and logical? My colleagues are much more knowledgable than myself.

Or, it could totally be my lizard brain, a concept which Seth Godin mentions in his book, Linchpin: Are you Indispensable?

I obviously want to do well, and I’m not alone. I’ve been told many times that I’m capable of it, which is probably one of the reasons why I’m hard on myself.

The other day, I read an article by Harvard Business Review titled, “How to Handle Stress in the Moment.” I’d like to quote a passage:

“When you feel anxious, your breath starts to get shorter, shallower, and more irregular,” says Gonzalez. “Taking three big breaths while being conscious of your belly expanding and contracting ignites your parasympathetic nervous system, which induces a relaxation response.”

If you’re tense, you’re more likely to make mistakes.

In order to do my job well, be the best person I possibly can for my wife, and be the best example for my peers, I have to relax.

I’m reminding myself publicly: don’t forget to breathe. Deeply.

If you’re reading this, please know that you’ll do great, and tell others the same. Life beats us down way too often, so let’s do our best to bring each other up.