Sometimes I feel all knotted up inside when there’s something on the horizon that’s necessary, but which I have no interest in doing or in being part of.

If you’ve ever given a cat a bath — or tried — you’re probably familiar with their feline antics. Legs outstretched, some yowling and a tail hell-bent on not getting wet. That’s me.

I don’t like the feeling of not being completely ready for something, and yet there’s no stopping time. Some things we choose on our own, other things we have little control over. In either situation, we may not be ready for what we’re about to embark upon or tackle. But it is what it is.

I can always tell myself that I’ll emerge unscathed, and that it’s a character-building opportunity. While the former has always been true, the latter is often a more difficult pill to swallow.

I may not always feel ready, but taking the time to prepare goes a long way in quieting my brain. After a certain point, I know I’ve done all I could and falling back on “I’ve done my best” takes over. If and when I’ve fallen short in terms of that preparation, I get the results I deserve.

How do I get the results I want?

1. Prepare.
2. Picture success.
3. Remain calm. Breathe.
4. Smile more. It’s disarming.
5. Realize the clock is ticking. Nothing lasts forever. The light is at the end of the tunnel.
6. Go with the flow.
7. Give it my best shot.
8. Look back at a completed job, and exhale.

It’s not a list that works for everyone, but it works for me — and I’m thankful for knowing that even the most stressful situation can be helped by a few deep breaths and focusing on a positive outcome.

What are your steps for getting through a trying, stressful situation?