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Try to stress less

High performing people are stressed out. A lot. We get stressed about our jobs (especially lawyers), exams, grad school applications, relationships, and almost every time the bus to work runs late.  But we should probably try to stress about it less.

But that’s easier said than done. Our stress rises when the due date gets closer or when we have to speak in front of a group of people. It also rises when we interact with others, especially if they are people whose opinion we care about.  We do what we can to avoid it.  Some people avoid speeches and stop talking altogether.  Others start talking too much.

But there is a lot of evidence that shows that stress is counterproductive.

One study showed that when the stakes don’t feel as high in the classroom, students almost always perform significantly better. Especially those from families with less priviledge.  A workplace survey showed that people that stress less tend to have a better reputation among peers than those that stress too much.  We all know from that stress doesn’t help relationships much. It also won’t change whether or not you’re admitted to grad school after you submitted your applicaton.  And when our 645am bus is late, no need to stress about that either. We might get lucky and strike up a 20 minute conversation with someone we’re glad had the chance to meet.

In short, that project you’re working on, the upcomng exam, or the bus that you are waiting for…  try to stress a bit less. It might make things work better in the end.

Easier said than done. But worth a shot.