Is Stress and Anxiety Really a Bad Thing, Leaders?

Hey there, amazing women in leadership,

Let's talk about something we often encounter but seldom discuss openly, stress and anxiety. I recently came across insights from Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist who sheds a different light on these familiar foes during a presentation at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention.

She starts by addressing a common cycle many of us fall into—feeling stressed about being stressed and anxious about being anxious. Sounds familiar, right? She points out that by the time most people decide to seek help, they’re already overwhelmed.

Now, here’s the kicker, she suggests that stress and anxiety aren't just inevitable parts of life but can actually be beneficial under the right circumstances. For me, stress pops up when I'm pushing my limits or stepping out of my comfort zone. This isn’t necessarily bad; in fact, it’s these moments that typically lead to personal growth and increased resilience.

So, what’s the takeaway for us as leaders? It’s about shifting our perspective to view stress and anxiety as signals rather than setbacks. They alert us to threats but also to personal limits and areas ripe for growth. For instance, feeling anxious before a big presentation might just be the nudge we need to prepare more thoroughly, turning our nervous energy into a spectacular performance.

Dr. Damour encourages us to keep communicating about stress—not just when it becomes unbearable but as a regular part of managing our mental health. To this point, moderate levels of stress can serve as a sort of training ground, preparing us for bigger challenges down the road.

So, ladies, next time you feel that familiar tension building, take a moment to assess. Is this stress harmful, or is it pushing you toward something great?

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other turn these everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

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