StressPro™

Pathway to Personal and Work Life Vitality

for Testing Testing

This brief report focuses on your Top Priorities for Action

Contents	Page

Vitality Snapshot	1
Action Recommendations	2

The StressPro™ is designed to provide insight into the personal strengths of individuals which energize vitality... personally, at work and in a balanced lifestyle. As we take advantage of those strengths, our stress decreases and satisfaction rises. By focusing on our strengths we become more able to address our growth opportunities.

In addition, strong engagement with our work life, where the satisfactions clearly outweigh the stress, is now known to be one of the most powerful influences on our personal and family wellbeing, as well as on our careers. The StressPro™ is designed to provide insight into the personal strengths of individuals which make for a rewarding level of engagement.

Richard C. B. Earle, Ph.D.
John C. Marshall, Ph.D.

ID# GQPHWGYH8DJG for Testing Testing on June 3, 2013

©2005 Canadian Institute of Stress & Selection Testing Consultants Intl. - ID# GQPHWGYH8DJG for Testing Testing on June 3, 2013

VITALITY SNAPSHOT
StressPro™

VITALITY SNAPSHOT

Your overall Vitality Snapshot indicates that there are clear strengths in your StressPro™ profile but some of your vulnerabilities show your health and performance could be at some risk. When the balance of stress and satisfaction in your lifestyle focuses more on stress, then several corrective steps are clearly advisable. For any of your sub-par factors, we recommend you thoughtfully read through the Strengths and Growth Opportunities sections with a view to consistently taking one or two improvement steps that also motivate you.

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

PERSONAL VITALITY INDEX

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Body/Mind Wellbeing

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Fulfillment

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Stress Control

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Worry Control

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Interpersonal Satisfaction

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

WORK ENGAGEMENT INDEX

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Work Stress

Work Stress is Energizing

Work Stress is Draining

Work Satisfaction

Very Satisfied

Very Dissatisfied

Commitment to Job

Highly Committed

Uncommitted

LIFESTYLE VITALITY INDEX

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Work

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Family

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Friends

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Personal Development

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONSYour profile highlights three strategically important areas where your taking action will most improve your performance, satisfaction and wellbeing. They are

1. Stress Control
2. Worry Control
3. Work Stress

The following six pages provide you specific, personalized guidance for doing exactly that.

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
StressPro™

ACTION RECOMMENDATION #1

Stress Control

How well you control your stress level, ensuring that it supports rather than undermines your priorities and opportunities.

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Overview
Your responses indicate that corrective action is important both for your longer term health and for your more immediate levels of performance and satisfaction. As you read the following notes about your Strengths and Growth Opportunities, begin to form a clear mental "self-portrait" of how you might behave a little differently, and feel a lot more vital, if you took several steps to improve your Stress Control.

Build on Your Strengths
Some of your answers to the questions about your Stress Control could legitimately be called Strengths. It is always a good idea for you to remind yourself of what you are doing well and continue to do those things. Continue to build on these Strengths in order to enhance the level of Stress Control that you have already. By continuing to do what you are already doing well, you will be more able to turn any Growth Opportunities into Strengths. Here are your identified Strengths.

I try to do two or three things at once, rather than one thing at a time.
Your response indicates that you tend to focus on the one thing that needs to be done first rather than trying to do everything at once. By focusing on tasks and completing them, you are able to turn stress into an advantage.
I rarely get into arguments.
Your ability to avoid arguments can help you avoid stress. By discussing opposing viewpoints calmly, you will get your point across and allow others to do the same.
I do not get irritated easily.
You are doing a good job at avoiding irritation. This is a strength that enables you to turn what others might find stressful into positive energy.

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
StressPro™

ACTION RECOMMENDATION #1

Growth Opportunities
Some of your answers to the questions about your Stress Control could legitimately be called Growth Opportunities. Also, continue to build on any Strengths outlined above in order to enhance the level of Stress Control that you have already. By continuing to do what you are already doing well, you will be more able to benefit from the Growth Opportunities that were identified by the following questions.

Waiting does not bother me.
People usually get irritable when having to wait for two reasons: (1) they feel that they are being disrespected or controlled; and (2) they may be angry at themselves for ending up in that situation. To avoid these feelings, take back control by being 'smart enough' to plan for such situations and use your time effectively while you are waiting. Turn the situation to your advantage which might include just enjoying the time to relax and renew your energy.
I find myself waking up earlier in the morning than I plan to.
You wake up thinking about something because, during sleep, your non-conscious mind has decided you need to give that situation extra attention. If this happens often, do two things: (1) keep a notepad beside your bed and jot that situation down with few words about when and how you plan to take action on it tomorrow; 2) use simple breathing-based relaxation for several minutes to get back to sleep.
I express my feelings as openly as I should, rather than holding them inside.
Most often we put a lid on our feelings because we don't want to feel vulnerable, weak or incompetent. Sometimes that's the right choice. However, to avoid that becoming your overall, very stressful style, try this. Pick a troubling feeling that you'd really like to share and get feedback on. Then ask someone you respect and trust if they would share their advice with you about how you could express that feeling in a way that would be helpful to all concerned. You'll feel better. And, they'll be glad you asked.
I tend to anticipate others in conversation (interrupting, finishing sentences for the other person), rather than listening well and letting the other person finish speaking.
Learn to avoid interrupting others in mid-sentence by consciously holding back your own speech until the person has completed their thought. Commit to doing this with someone whom you tend to interrupt frequently and you will enjoy the feelings of having gained greater control over yourself (the best control there is). Gradually, your new ability will extend to others whom you used to interrupt.
I feel critical of others.
Criticism of others is a symptom of being under stress ourselves. To control your critical thoughts, do two things:
Practice relaxation breathing [long, slow out-breaths] to let go of some of your own tension.
Remind yourself that 95% of those who irritate us are not intending to do so.

Notes-to-Myself for my Personal Action Plan
The most important things I've learned from this section of StressPro™ for improving my Stress Control are ...
1.______________________________________ 2.______________________________________ 3.______________________________________

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
StressPro™

ACTION RECOMMENDATION #2

Worry Control

The degree to which you are able to manage pointless, counter-productive worrying.

Very Vital

Growth Opportunity

Overview
Your answers to questions related to Worry Control indicate that taking corrective action is important for you since considerable amounts of your time and overall day-to-day vitality are being drained by your counter-productive worry habits. Your habits can be causing loss of sleep and useless 'wheel spinning'.

Build on Your Strengths
Some of your answers to the questions about your Worry Control could legitimately be called Strengths. It is always a good idea for you to remind yourself of what you are doing well and continue to do those things. Continue to build on these Strengths in order to enhance the level of Worry Control that you have already. By continuing to do what you are already doing well, you will be more able to turn any Growth Opportunities into Strengths. Here are your identified Strengths.

I do not dwell on distressful situations.
You indicate an ability to put distressful situations in the proper perspective without dwelling on them. By evaluating the situation and planning an appropriate response, you are able to control what may cause others a great deal of worry.
I put worrisome situations out of my mind easily.
You have indicated that you are able to deal with things and compartmentalize your worries until you are ready to deal with them. This is a particular strength that will help you worry constructively when you need to and to shut it off when taking action is the more productive choice.
I have a tendency to blame myself for things.
You have indicated that you do not blame yourself when things go wrong. Blaming yourself or others is a useless waste of energy. Continue to focus only on your part of the responsibility for making things go better.

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
StressPro™

ACTION RECOMMENDATION #2

Growth Opportunities
Some of your answers to the questions about your Worry Control could legitimately be called Growth Opportunities. Also, continue to build on any Strengths outlined above in order to enhance the level of Worry Control that you have already. By continuing to do what you are already doing well, you will be more able to benefit from the Growth Opportunities that were identified by the following questions.

When something difficult or stressful is coming up, I find myself thinking about all the ways things can go poorly for me.
When a challenging situation is coming up for you, it actually is good to do "the work of worry" and systematically review the risks or possible negatives involved. Then, most importantly, write down your plan on how you would handle them, if they actually do occur. Then focus on the likely positives in the situation and how you plan to make them happen and to enjoy them.
I feel that worrying is part of the price of success.
We sometimes trick ourselves into useless worry by believing we can control situations that we can't. After you've carefully thought about a worrisome situation, take a single sheet of paper and write down your answer to "What's my plan?". If after 10 minutes you don't have a realistic action plan, get up and then agree with yourself that you will repeat this 10-minute exercise one more time after 48 hours have passed. Still no plan? Give yourself permission to do nothing. At that moment, it's probably your best plan.
Decisions are hard for me because I often wonder if I have thought of all the alternatives.
When a decision is causing you too much worry, do two things. First, list your options and then list the pro's and con's of each. Talk these over with someone you trust. Then make your decision. The second step is to recognize that some of your worry is that by making a decision for Option A, you may have to forego some of good things you would have had in Options B or C. Accept this. Focus on the pluses you will enjoy in Option A. Then, you may even be able to build in some the pluses from Options B & C.
Worrying rarely interferes with me getting things done.
When you find worry getting in the way of your making progress, do two things: (1) break your bigger project down into the steps required (writing them down is a good idea); (2) accomplish one step at a time. Think about the bigger goal only in terms of the motivating enjoyment that reaching it will give you.
My friends do not see me as someone who worries a lot.
Asking for action-focused feedback from others about your worrisome situation can be useful. However, sharing a worry twice with the same person is usually once too often. Instead, follow our other recommendations in this section on Worry Control.

Notes-to-Myself for my Personal Action Plan
The most important things I've learned from this section of StressPro™ for improving my Worry Control are ...
1.______________________________________ 2.______________________________________ 3.______________________________________

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
StressPro™

ACTION RECOMMENDATION #3

Work Stress

The extent to which the stress you experience in your present job either energizes or drains your performance and personal wellbeing.

Work Stress is Energizing

Work Stress is Draining

Overview
You are showing some signs that stress in your job is negatively effecting your performance and your personal wellbeing

Build on Your Strengths
Some of your answers to the questions about your Work Stress could legitimately be called Strengths. It is always a good idea for you to remind yourself of what you are doing well and continue to do those things. Continue to build on these Strengths in order to enhance the level of Work Stress that you have already. By continuing to do what you are already doing well, you will be more able to turn any Growth Opportunities into Strengths. Here are your identified Strengths.

I am frequently irritable or tired.
You have indicated that you are generally energetic and tend to avoid being irritable. This would indicate that you are staying reasonably fit, eating well and generally avoiding stress build-up. This positive self-care attitude will help you continue to deal effectively with work stress.
I am experiencing more minor health problems (e.g. colds, flu, headaches) recently.
You have managed to avoid many health problems. While some of this may be good luck and good genetics, it is important to understand what you are doing well and to keep on doing those things. Keep watching your diet, getting enough exercise and rest and you should be able to manage your work stress well.
I spend more time and energy than I would like on worry and the rumor mill.
You have learned to avoid wasting time on rumors and other worries that may be unlikely to happen. You prefer to focus on discovering the facts. If you do have realistic worries, make certain that your plans to deal with them are clearly defined.
I am able to keep a cool head when things get hectic at work.
You are able to stay cool under pressure and because of that strength you will be especially able to help your co-workers or clients in difficult situations. People with the ability to deal with stress and maintain their self control are valuable assets for every work environment.
I rarely worry about things which are out of my control.
You manage to avoid worrying about the things that you cannot control. This is a powerful advantage in managing your stress effectively as you are conserving energy that can be put to better use.

ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
StressPro™

ACTION RECOMMENDATION #3

Growth Opportunities
Some of your answers to the questions about your Work Stress could legitimately be called Growth Opportunities. Also, continue to build on any Strengths outlined above in order to enhance the level of Work Stress that you have already. By continuing to do what you are already doing well, you will be more able to benefit from the Growth Opportunities that were identified by the following questions.

I have a hard time staying focused on the work I am doing.
Frequent distractions and urgent priorities can add up to a workplace climate of "firefighting". Being able to focus on your work seems like the exception. You begin to just wait for the next distraction. Avoid being infected by this firefighting mindset this way. (1) Be honest with yourself about just how much firefighting really goes with your job. If it's 40% of your time, stop calling it 60%. (2) Set yourself up to feel focused by writing down (a) the satisfactions you most want to enjoy in your work, and (b) your strengths or talents that you want to enjoy applying. (3) At the end of each day, write down which one or two satisfactions and strengths you actually were able to focus on and enjoy.
I frequently feel pessimistic when future workplace changes are discussed.
While an optimistic mindset needs to be created and re-energized each day, pessimistic thoughts seem to breed each other, growing on their own. When you find find pessimistic thoughts creeping into your mindset, take these steps: Be a pessimist and write down all the negative things you see in a workplace change. Don't try to bury your negative thoughts. Be an optimist and write down several good things that may happen for you because of that change (e.g. You may face interesting challenges and may learn a new skill). Develop an action plan to gain some benefit for yourself from what you saw while being optimistic.
I believe most of the pressures I'm under at work are well justified.
When pressure at work seems unjustified, it may be a result of not understanding the importance of some of your assignments. From time to time, it may be necessary for you to accept that some things have to be done simply because we have been instructed to do so by our managers. If you find that a lack of understanding is causing you stress which leads to wrong decisions, ask your manager or supervisor for a better explanation of the task in order to deliver the best results possible.
I am generally optimistic that I can find a solution when I run into problems at work.
If you are having difficult finding solutions to work problems, it is a good idea to do a little research. Define the problem and use the internet to look for possible solutions.
Asking a skilled colleague how to approach specific problems can help build relationships and provide solutions.
I feel I am working under unreasonable pressure.
When you say you feel "unreasonable pressure", you probably mean it's both stressful for you and bad for the quality of your work. In short, it's a 'lose/lose' for both you and your employer. To remove some of that 'lose/lose' pressure, it may be helpful to pick one of these 'lose/lose' pressure situations which your boss would likely see as being a costly and frequent drain on your productivity; then ... Think through the best 'win-win' solution and the simple steps required to implement it; Pick a time when your boss is feeling receptive and propose your win-win solution; Invite your boss's input for making it work and seek agreement to test it out.
Unreasonable pressure may also result from feeling overloaded with work so it may be a good time to ask for help in dealing with your extra work. If help is unavailable, it is important to break tasks down into achievable portions and work through them as best you can.

Notes-to-Myself for my Personal Action Plan
The most important things I've learned from this section of StressPro™ for improving my Work Stress are ...
1.______________________________________ 2.______________________________________ 3.______________________________________