We do not talk a lot about being anxious and worrying about things. Sometimes in passing we might, but most people do not want to admit they are even anxious at all. We all get anxious. The question is, what do we do about it when we are anxious? In my job I am constantly screening applicants for graduate degree programs. Any signs we get from applicants are extremely important in our decision making process. If someone is rude to our front desk person, and then polite to me - they are not helping their cause. If someone is highly anxious on the phone or in person, I usually want to get at what is going on with that person?
What do I do when I get anxious, or feel pressure? I try to take a deep breath, and clear my head as best as possible. Sometimes I will even get up and walk outside to make sure I am not overwhelmed by whatever is coming at me. The other day I received a phone call from a prospective student that had been denied. In the past I would have immediately become defensive, anxious, and probably did not do a great job helping guide the student who was turned down. Today, 3 years later into my job, it is a lot easier to maintain a non-anxious presence with people I come into contact with.
What do you do when you get anxious? Thoughts? JVD
