It can be caused by a variety of factors, including work, relationships, financial struggles, and health issues. But what is the true determinant of stress? Is it the amount of work we do or our thoughts and perception of stress?

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Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, believes that stress primarily comes from not taking action over something that we can have some control over. In other words, it's not the hard work that causes stress, but rather the feeling that we're not doing enough to address the issues at hand. This sentiment is echoed by Pasifika people, who have learned to take control of their stress levels through hard work and perseverance.

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One famous Pasifika individual who understands the impact of hard work on stress levels is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he said, "We do today what they won't, so tomorrow we can accomplish what they can't." This mindset reflects the idea that hard work today can alleviate stress tomorrow, as we take control of our lives and work towards our goals.

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However, not all work is productive, and unproductive work can lead to even more stress. This is why it's important to prioritize tasks and set goals. In the words of Samoan-American businessman and author, Victor H. Vroom, "Motivation is the force that drives people to perform the necessary actions that lead to the achievement of a specific goal." By setting specific goals and focusing on the tasks that will help us achieve them, we can avoid feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list.

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Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is famous for reducing "meetings for meetings' sake" to increase productivity and reduce stress. His approach highlights the importance of focusing on productive work rather than busy work. As Tongan-New Zealander rugby player Jonah Lomu once said, "Success is not achieved by chance. It is achieved by the determination and hard work of those who pursue it relentlessly." By focusing on the tasks that will help us achieve our goals, we can work more efficiently and reduce stress.

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If you're feeling stressed, it can be helpful to make a list of tasks and prioritize them. This approach is reflected in the GTD (Getting Things Done) method, which was popularized by productivity guru David Allen. The GTD method involves breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and setting deadlines for each task. This approach can help us feel more in control of our workload and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

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It's also important to remember that stress doesn't just come from work. Relationships, health issues, and financial struggles can all contribute to stress. To reduce stress levels, it can be helpful to engage in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. As Fijian-American football player Viliami "Loni" Fangupo once said, "When you get stressed, it's important to take a step back and breathe. Take a moment for yourself and do something you enjoy."

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Stress is a common experience that can be caused by a variety of factors. Hard work can alleviate stress, but unproductive work can make it worse. By setting specific goals and prioritizing tasks, we can work more efficiently and reduce stress levels. It's also important to engage in stress-reducing activities and take time for ourselves when we feel overwhelmed. As Pasifika individuals, we can draw on our cultural values of hard work and perseverance to take control of our stress levels and work towards our goals.

 

Moana and Sione are two Pasifika individuals who have faced stress in their lives but have learned to overcome it through hard work and determination. Moana is a young Polynesian woman who sets out on a journey to save her people and restore the heart of Te Fiti, while Sione is a Tongan man who struggles to balance his family's expectations with his own dreams of becoming a professional rugby player.

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Moana faces many challenges on her journey, including facing the wrath of the sea and battling the evil demigod, Maui. However, she never gives up, and her determination and hard work ultimately lead her to success. As Moana's grandmother Tala tells her, "Sometimes the world seems against you. The journey may leave a scar, but scars can heal and reveal just where you are."

Similarly, Sione faces many obstacles on his journey to becoming a professional rugby player, including injuries and family expectations. However, he never gives up, and his hard work and determination ultimately lead him to success. As Sione's coach tells him, "Success isn't given, it's earned. You have to work for it."

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Moana and Sione's journeys reflect the Pasifika value of hard work and perseverance. By focusing on their goals and working hard to achieve them, they are able to overcome the challenges they face and reduce their stress levels. They prioritize their tasks and set specific goals, which helps them feel more in control of their workload and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.

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Additionally, Moana and Sione both engage in stress-reducing activities to help them cope with the challenges they face. Moana spends time with her family and finds solace in the ocean, while Sione takes breaks from rugby to spend time with his loved ones and engage in other hobbies.

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In conclusion, Moana and Sione exemplify the Pasifika values of hard work and perseverance, which can help reduce stress levels and lead to success. By prioritizing tasks, setting specific goals, and engaging in stress-reducing activities, they are able to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their dreams. As Pasifika individuals, we can draw on these values to take control of our stress levels and work towards our goals.