#26 - The 'Stress is Enhancing' Mindset
Welcome to the 26th edition of The MAD Performance Newsletter, in which I'll share thoughts and resources that can help you towards a more Mindful and Deliberate way of approaching life, leadership, learning and high performance.
In high-pressure environments, we are often told to manage or reduce stress, as if stress itself is the enemy. But Alia Crum's pioneering research at Stanford offers a different perspective. Rather than trying to eliminate stress, she encourages us to shift the way we think about it.
Her studies reveal that our mindset about stress plays a crucial role in how it affects us. If we believe stress is harmful, it can impair performance, damage health, and erode wellbeing. But when we adopt the belief that stress can be enhancing, our body and mind respond more adaptively. We recover faster, think more clearly, and perform at a higher level.
This is not about pretending everything is fine or ignoring the toll that pressure can take. It is about choosing to see stress as part of the process of growth. Stress is a sign that we care, that something is meaningful, and that our system is mobilising to meet the moment.
Practically, this starts with awareness. The next time you feel the signs of stress such as a tight chest, racing thoughts, or increased heart rate, pause and reframe the moment. You might say to yourself:
This is my body preparing me for challenge
This stress response can sharpen my thinking
This pressure is a signal of purpose, not panic
This mindset is not about toxic positivity. It is grounded in science and it can be practised. Leaders and professionals who internalise this approach are better equipped to handle setbacks, thrive under pressure, and sustain high performance.
In a world that constantly demands more, perhaps the most powerful tool is not to resist stress, but to reinterpret it. Your mindset might be the most overlooked lever for resilience and performance.
Clearly I can't do Dr Crum's work justice in 300 words, so I'd encourage you to check out this resource from Stanford - it sits at the cornerstone of the work I do with athletes, leaders & educators to help them thrive in their day-to-day.
Fractional CMO | B2B SaaS
3moThanks for sharing Dan Haesler! Loads of examples in the sporting arena (NRL is a good example like many other sports). There have been some absolutely breathtaking games this season where the losing team (by a country mile at half time) has absolutely crushed their opposition in the second half, due to how they've dealt with the pressure and stress. Those pep talks in the locker room at half time are what we all need to be able to have with ourselves. It's fascinating to see certain teams and players go full clutch when there's a fire lit under them.