One of the fears some of my clients have is the belief that reducing stress, high work levels, and becoming calmer might reduce performance and affect their career. It’s a deeply ingrained myth that stress equals productivity, and the harder we push, the more we achieve.
I understand this belief—I’ve been there. For years I was fuelled by a relentless drive to succeed. Chronic stress was my constant companion.
The “stress equals productivity” myth
For decades, society has perpetuated the idea that stress and success are intrinsically linked. It’s not uncommon to hear phrases like “I thrive under stress” from high achievers. The implication is clear: stress is the necessary fuel for productivity and success. But is it really?
Stress can have a motivating effect in short bursts—our body’s natural “fight or flight” response helps us rise to a challenge. But when stress becomes chronic, it stops being helpful. Instead, it clouds judgement, impairs decision-making, and erodes creativity.
Research consistently shows that prolonged stress depletes our cognitive resources, leading to diminished performance, not enhanced productivity.
Why reducing stress boosts performance
Stress reduction isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing better. When we reduce stress, we free up mental energy for focus, innovation, and problem-solving. With clarity comes smarter decision-making and greater resilience—two cornerstones of sustainable high performance.
Consider the ripple effects of a calmer, more balanced approach. You’re less reactive and more intentional. You show up as the leader, partner, and friend you want to be. You’re not just surviving your workload, you’re much more productive and able to face challenges head on.
The secret to sustainable high performance
High performers who endure in the long run are those who prioritise their wellbeing alongside their work. They know that rest, recovery, and balance are not luxuries but essential tools for excellence.
Sometimes it really is the simple things that make the difference, and they often tend to be the things we forget, because they seem so obvious. On an ongoing basis, simple practices like scheduling breaks, saying no, and finding your own activity that you know resets and recentres you are game-changers. It really doesn’t need to be any more complicated than this, however the secret is doing them regularly on an ongoing basis, and protecting these practices from anything that gets in the way.
Success stories of balanced achievement
I’ve seen this shift transform lives. A senior leader I coached believed stepping back from overwork would jeopardise their career. Instead, they found that prioritising their health and setting boundaries led to greater clarity and creativity. Not only did they excel professionally, but they rediscovered joy in their personal life.
Another client introduced simple stress-reduction techniques into their day, such as deep breathing during tense moments and stepping outside for regular breaks. Within weeks, they reported feeling more in control, confident, and effective—not despite reducing stress, but because of it.
Make today the turning point
Stress is a warning signal. The more we normalise it, the more it becomes invisible to us, and the more we accept it as part of our lives..
Take a couple of minutes today to ask yourself: What is stress costing you right now? Is it time with loved ones, clarity in your role, or simply your peace of mind? And what might you achieve if you could lead and live from a place of balance instead?
You don’t have to choose between success and balance—you can have both.
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