Base Camp - A Corporate Sherpas Podcast

The Paradox of Pressure: Is Stress a Force for Growth or a Road to Burnout?

Corporate Sherpas Season 1 Episode 5

In this episode we tackling one of the most fascinating contradictions in our world of creating flow state workplaces: the paradox of pressure: Is stress a force for growth or a road to burnout? 

Stress is ubiquitous in both our personal and professional lives. We've all felt it - deadlines, meeting expectations, looking after loved ones. It shows up in different ways: tightness in your chest before a big presentation, the weight of responsibilities piling up, the health consequences, the relentless voice in your head asking, Am I doing enough? Too much of it can break even the strongest among us leading to burnout, exhaustion and disconnection. 

According to the Productivity Commission costs associated with these issues are estimated to be between $12.2 billion and $39.9 billion per year in Australia. 

At the same time people say that they need a certain level of stress, we hear things like pressure makes diamonds. It can ignite motivation, sharpen focus and unlock a different level of creativity. The paradox is that the same pressure that drives us can also break us—so how do we navigate it? It's clear that this is s topic worth diving into. 

Links:  

Stress is Enhancing Mindset: Alia Crum 

Expanding your visual field: Andrew Huberman 

The Science of Cells that never get old: Elizabeth Blackburn 

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions 

 

Contact: corporate-sherpas.au