How to embrace the benefits of stress for personal growth?

This conversation features a discussion with Alia Crum, an assistant professor of psychology at Stanford, on the benefits of embracing stress and harnessing it for personal growth and improved performance.

She emphasizes that stress is a natural part of life that can be utilized positively when approached with the right mindset.

The Nature of Stress

Stress is a natural and inevitable part of life, especially when one is connected to things they care about.

It’s not something to avoid but rather something to embrace and work with in order to thrive, grow, and perform at higher levels.

Mindsets Influence Reality

Our mindsets or core assumptions shape our expectations, understanding, and goals.

They influence how we perceive reality which consequently affects our actions and ways of being.

Appraisal: The Perception of Stress

One’s perception or ‘appraisal’ of a stressful situation influences their ability to handle it.

While many view stress as debilitating, it can also be enhancing – helping individuals rise to challenges and improve cognitive functioning, physical health, behavior, and interactions.