How can you balance positivity while setting realistic expectations? Do optimists and pessimists handle stress differently? How do you cope with stress as a Prime driver and father?

On the last Prime Good Dads blog, we discussed the power of positivity with Prime driver Roy Romo. Staying positive can be a powerful tool. However, stressful situations can make it difficult for someone to remain optimistic. Over-the-road drivers, especially those that are fathers, are often face-to-face with stressful situations.

This week, we’re covering related concepts with Prime driver and father Anthony Eck. Anthony has been working with Prime for 18 years and has six children aged 13 to 28. With plenty of experience under his belt in the world of fatherhood and trucking, he provided insights on the concept of “optimal optimism” in this week’s blog.

Focus on the things you can control

Anthony describes himself as an optimistic person, often seeing outcomes in a more positive light than others. Even if he hasn’t had the best week or hasn’t earned as much revenue as he would like, he takes it as an opportunity to think of the better outcomes that are sure to come in the future.

While team-driving with his wife, Heidi, Anthony says he often is a source of calm during moments of stress, such as heavy traffic and delivering loads in a timely manner.

“I give her a hard time; she stresses over little things,” Anthony said. “It’s not as bad as you think it is. It is something I teach my kids, especially my two younger ones.”

Anthony says when his youngest son (13), doesn’t understand his school work right away, he becomes stressed. To alleviate those feelings, Anthony takes the time to video chat with his son to work through his homework together to get him to a point of understanding.

“He didn’t have to get worked up, we got it figured out,” he said.

When solving problems, Anthony’s advice is to focus on aspects that are within your control.

“Go with the flow,” he advised. “If it’s out of your control, there’s nothing you can do, so why stress? It’s better to not stress and relax and go with the flow of whatever’s going on than sit there and stress.”

Find coping strategies that work for you

Anthony tends to provide calm and stability for his family. He said he employs specific strategies that might help someone remain claim.

“When you get stressed, take a minute, take 10 deep breaths and count to 10 to calm down a little bit.”

One unique form of stress management in the Eck family is going to concerts. The most recent concert Anthony attended with his family was Breaking Benjamin in October 2024.

“Live music … can help someone manage stress,” Anthony said. “You’re with a bunch of people that might have had a rough day, enjoying the music. Everyone there is relieving their stress and getting that out.”

Even if you can’t go to a concert, listening to music is both a stress reliever and a way to bond with your family. But remember: The goal shouldn’t be simply to do what everyone else does. Find what works best for you and your family. Other stress-management ideas include exercise, planning ahead and getting enough sleep.

Listen and don’t be afraid to ask for help

Anthony has plenty of experience as both a Prime driver and father. For men new to either or both roles, Anthony suggested that listening and talking to other people with more experience is a good first step.

“Listen to your fleet manager,” he said. “They’re not out to get you; they’re not out to ruin you financially. They’re here to help you learn. Talk to other drivers, too, see what helps them make it.”

In his role as a father, Anthony’s go-with-the-flow strategy has helped him, saying that babies and children never stressed him out. That’s why he sees his role as an agent of stress-relief for his wife.

“For new fathers, communicate with your wife if you’re feeling stressed,” he suggested. “If the baby is crying a lot, take a minute, let the baby cry. It’s not going to hurt it. Remove yourself and take some deep breaths.”

Those who are new to the world of either fatherhood or over-the-road driving must frequently deal with stressful situations. You are not alone! Find a support system and coping skills that work for you.

Final Words

Anthony’s ability to look on the bright side is related to his ability to recognize that some certain things are out of his control. Both skills have help him significantly reduce stress in his life. He admitted he’s not sure how he does it at times, as there isn’t just one specific trick that has worked for him. However, remaining realistic while staying positive and finding forms of stress management that work for him have benefited both him and his ability to help others.

“Always look for the better outcome,” he stressed. “Think positive; a lot of times it’s not as bad as it seems. It may look bad at the beginning, but think about the positive things that could come out of it.”