Why Stress Isn’t the Enemy

There’s a narrow space where you’re not coasting, and you’re not overwhelmed either. In that space, you tend to do your best work.

That’s the sweet spot of stress.

Stress usually gets a bad name. You hear it and probably picture racing thoughts, a clenched jaw, or that dull ache behind your left eye.

Not all stress is harmful though. In fact, a certain amount can sharpen our focus.

Yerkes and Dodson’s Inverted-U Theory explains that performance increases with stress—until it doesn’t. Too little, and we’re unmotivated. Too much, and we start to spiral.

In the middle? That’s where energy and clarity meet. It’s also where we’re more likely to hit flow. That state where time disappears and we’re sharp, engaged, and oddly productive.

Getting to that space isn’t just about workload. It’s about alignment.

When your work reflects what you actually value, you’re more likely to reach that peak performance zone.

If you enjoy a bit of self-reflection, or just want to put language to what matters to you, this Work Values Test is worth trying. It ranks your top 14 values at work. My top three? Autonomy, work-life balance, and self-development. No surprise there—those values are what led me to build a coaching and consulting practice that works for me.

Working in line with your values doesn’t just feel better. It helps you stay motivated, reduces your risk of burnout, and gives your performance more staying power.

Here’s something to think about:

• When was a time you felt you were operating at your peak?

• What about that environment matched your values?

If you're exploring what that alignment could look like for you, I’m always happy to chat.