Stress isn’t the problem, its a symptom

Stress isn’t the problem, it’s a symptom. The problem is how little control we feel over performing to meet challenging expectations, which causes stress. 

At its core, stress emerges when we’re unsure what to do next and walking away isn’t an option. It’s less about the workload and more about the gap between what’s demanded and our sense of capability to deliver. It’s the most primal fear we have.

The antidote? Find a path to regain your sense of control and start taking steps. 

Start by mapping the challenge in front of you. Every problem has three parts:

1. What is the reason for it and why does it matter?

2. What result is needed, and what’s standing in the way?

3. What’s the smartest response to get there?

Simplify the noise. Ask one focused question: What’s a single step I can take today to better understand these three parts? Maybe it’s a conversation to clarify expectations. Maybe it’s learning something new to close a knowledge gap. Maybe it's looking at the situation from the opposite perspective?

Small wins compound quickly. Seeing even minor progress is the fastest way to quiet the noise in your mind and reclaim focus and momentum.

Stress isn’t a monster to slay—it’s a puzzle to solve. The answer lies in not working harder but in building smarter systems that lead you, one step at a time, from confusion to clarity, from fear to confidence.

Perfection isn’t the goal, it’s taking steps to regain your sense of control.