This surprises people. Some stress is good. It's the energy that shows up when something matters to you. Too little and you're flat and bored. Too much and you're overwhelmed. But the middle zone? That's where people do their best: in the game, in the test, on stage. So the goal was never zero stress. It's learning to ride the useful amount. Slide along the curve and find where you were last time you did something that mattered.
Some stress is actually helpful. It shows us that something matters, and gives us energy to rise to a challenge. Stress only becomes unhelpful when it feels too big or doesn't go away.
Drag the slider
The Science
Why do coaches say a few nerves are good?
