The OCHE Framework: My Four-Step Model to Manage
Stress and Anxiety

Hello everyone! Today, I want to share a practical model I've developed to combat the stresses and anxieties we all face in life, whether it's in the personal domain or the world of business. If you’ve ever struggled with overwhelm, worry, or anxiety, I hope my OCHE framework can provide some relief and guidance.

Welcome to another edition of my running diary – consecutive day 1633 of my marathon journey.

As many of you know, I’m committed to saving the lives of children by run blogging daily, barefoot, around the world! If you support this mission, please subscribe, share, like, and comment. The more people we reach, the more funds we raise, and ultimately, more children's lives we save.

Now, let’s dive into the OCHE Framework.

Understanding OCHE

The OCHE framework is an acronym standing for Opportunity, Control, Have a plan, and Emotions. I coined this term after a weekend watching darts, where the term “Oche” is frequently used. This model has significantly helped me manage stress, anxiety, and the general pressures life tosses at us.

1. Opportunity

The first step is to see every problem as an opportunity. Most of our worries and anxieties stem from problems – personal, professional, or otherwise. By re-framing problems as opportunities to learn, grow, and solve issues, you shift your mindset from negative to positive. The most accomplished people in the world are experts at solving problems efficiently. Embrace your problems as chances to excel and improve your capability as a problem solver.

2. Control

Next is Control. The core principle here is to stop worrying about what you cannot control. Always focus your energy on the elements you can influence. This not only helps reduce unnecessary anxiety but also enables you to proactively manage situations. When new information that is within your control comes to light, you can then take steps to address it. Worrying about uncontrollable factors only drains energy and focus.

3. Have a Plan

Once you've identified what you can control, it's crucial to have a plan. “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” a phrase attributed to the great Sir Benjamin Franklin, holds so much truth. Create a step-by-step plan outlining how you will tackle these problems-turned-opportunities. This structured approach enables you to hold yourself accountable and ensures steady progress towards your goal.

4. Emotions

Finally, keep your Emotions in check. Anxiety and stress can easily cause panic and reactive behaviour. Instead, stay calm and maintain emotional composure. I like to think of Roger Federer, who transformed his game by controlling his emotions. When he stopped being reactive and managed his feelings, he dominated tennis. Similarly, maintaining emotional control helps you navigate high-pressure situations effectively.

Applying the OCHE Framework

Whenever I encounter stress or anxiety, applying this four-step OCHE model provides immediate clarity and a structured way to manage the situation. I encourage you to try it and see how it changes your perspective and approach towards life’s challenges.

If this framework resonates with you, and you find it helpful, please drop me a message or comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. And remember, if you support my mission of running around the world barefoot to save children’s lives, please subscribe, share, like, and comment on my posts. Every interaction helps us get closer to our goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you again tomorrow!

Kevin Brittain