Here is why stress is good for you
According to many self-help creators online, stress is something that must be avoided. Many blog posts posit stress as the enemy. The thing that threatens our self-care must be avoided at all costs. I have a different perspective. Stress has been very helpful in my life. It's been a helpful indicator that my life is moving in the right direction.
Today, I want to talk to you amazing builders about the importance of stress and how ironically, stressful situations have actually shown you that you're in the right place and not necessarily out of your depth.
In my life, stress has been a constant companion. It's true that there is a sort of debilitating stress that isn't helpful, but I'll talk about that later. The stress I want to talk about today is the stress that shows you that you're being stretched beyond your limitations and that growth is around the corner.
Rethinking stress
Here is a general definition of stress
Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being.
Stress has long been associated with negative connotations, often seen as a detriment to one's well-being. However, a paradigm shift is underway as researchers and experts delve deeper into the multifaceted nature of stress. Increasingly, it is recognised that stress can serve as a barometer of personal and professional growth. Instead of avoiding stress, I'm encouraging you all are encouraged to embrace it as a valuable indicator of progress and development.
One of the key reasons why stress can signify growth is that it usually arises when we step outside our comfort zones. Every time I have felt stress, it’s normally because I'm facing something new and I'm not quite sure how to address it. It means I'm leaving my comfort zone.
Comfort zones are those areas of familiarity where routines and predictability reign. Stepping beyond these boundaries signifies a willingness to confront challenges and take risks. Stress emerges as the mind and body react to the unfamiliar, pushing us to adapt and develop new skills. This discomfort is not a sign of incompetence, but rather evidence that we are engaging in activities that will ultimately propel us forward.
Stress means you need to go back to school
Stress often accompanies the acquisition of new knowledge or skills. Whether it's tackling a complex project, learning a new language, or mastering a technical skill, the process can trigger stress responses. This stress is an indication that the brain is actively working to process information, form new neural connections, and adapt to changing demands. This mental strain is a testament to the mind's remarkable ability to rewire itself, leading to enhanced cognitive capacities. In other words, when a situation makes me feel uneasy, it’s proof my brain is working out the way it ought to be.
Embracing stress as a sign of growth fosters resilience. Every challenge we face, and every stressful situation we navigate, contributes to our ability to bounce back from adversity. Each time we overcome a stressful experience, we become better equipped to handle future difficulties. This resilience extends beyond the realm of personal life and becomes a valuable asset in professional settings. A person who has encountered and surmounted various stressful situations possesses the fortitude to lead teams, make tough decisions, and thrive under pressure.
Embracing personal growth
In the realm of professional growth, stress often coincides with increased responsibility. As individuals ascend the career ladder, they encounter more complex challenges that demand heightened levels of competence and strategic thinking. Again, the stress in these situations is not a sign of inadequacy, but rather an acknowledgement that one's responsibilities have evolved. Embracing this stress drives the individual to seek innovative solutions, develop leadership skills, and collaborate effectively with others.
Stress can also function as a powerful motivator. It propels individuals to work harder and strive for excellence, particularly when they recognize the correlation between stress and achievement. The pressure to meet deadlines or surpass performance expectations can drive professionals to push their boundaries and aim for higher standards. Consequently, stress can serve as a catalyst for achieving long-term goals and realising aspirations that seemed unattainable.
If you are going to be an effective builder (which is why you are a member of this community), adaptability is key. Stress fosters adaptability by forcing you to remain flexible in the face of changing circumstances. Professionals who thrive in dynamic environments are those who can quickly adjust their strategies and perspectives. Embracing stress encourages individuals to cultivate this essential trait, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in their personal and professional lives.
Shifting the perception of stress from a hindrance to a sign of growth is a transformative mindset. Recognising that stress accompanies personal and professional development empowers us to approach challenges with enthusiasm rather than apprehension. By embracing stress, we harness its potential to expand our horizons, bolster our resilience, and enhance our skills. In the end, stress becomes a compass that guides us toward the pinnacle of our potential, marking our journey towards becoming more capable, adaptable, and accomplished individuals.
Have an amazing week,
M.T. Omoniyi
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Great read! Perspective is everything.
Really helpful reframe. Especially the link between stress and knowledge acquisition. Thanks bro!