Battling Stress

Hey there, fellow business leader. I’m writing this not as someone who’s got it all figured out, but as a founder who’s right there in the trenches with you. Let’s talk about something we all face but often don’t discuss openly: stress.

The Pressure Cooker We Call Leadership

You know that feeling, right? The weight of decisions, the constant demands, the responsibility for your team’s success… it’s exhilarating, but man, it can be overwhelming. I’ve been there – heck, I’m still there some days.

Recently, I found myself caught in a loop of:

• Endless to-do lists that seemed to grow faster than I could check items off
• That nagging feeling of always being one step behind
• Waking up at 3 AM with my mind racing about the next day’s challenges

Sound familiar? I bet it does.

My Wake-Up Call

It was during one of those 3 AM anxiety sessions that I realized something had to change. I’m supposed to be the guy with the tech solutions, but I couldn’t code my way out of this one. That’s when I reached out to Ed Holmes, a stress management coach who specializes in working with high-performers like us.

Ed’s Wisdom: The Hamster Wheel of Stress

Ed introduced me to this concept of the “stress hamster wheel.” It resonated. The more we run, the faster it spins, until we’re eventually flung off.

But here’s the thing – we don’t have to stay on that wheel. Ed shared some strategies that I’ve been implementing. Let me share them with you.

1. The Four Stress-Busters

1. Move: I’ve started taking “walking meetings” when I can. It feels weird at first, but it’s been a game-changer.
2. Breathe/Meditate: Full disclosure – I’m terrible at meditation. But I’ve found even 2 minutes of deep breathing can clear my head.
3. Journal: I keep a notebook by my bed now. Those 3 AM thoughts? I write them down and often they seem less daunting in the morning light.
4. Connect: This one’s hard for us “I can handle it” types. But reaching out to a friend or mentor when I’m stressed has been incredibly helpful.

2. Rediscovering Play and Awe

This one felt silly at first. Play? Awe? Who has time for that? But I’m learning to make time:

• I’ve rekindled my love for building model rockets. It’s my “play” time.
• For “awe,” I’ve started taking moments to really look at the night sky. It puts things in perspective.

3. Baby Steps, Not Giant Leaps

Ed emphasized consistency over intensity, and it’s been a relief. I’m not overhauling my entire life overnight. Instead, I’m taking small steps:

• 5 minutes of breathing exercises before my first meeting
• One “play” session a week
• Reaching out to a friend when I feel overwhelmed, instead of trying to power through

The Ongoing Journey

I’ll be honest – I’m still figuring this out. Some days I nail it, other days I fall back into old patterns. But I’m noticing changes:

• My decision-making feels clearer
• I’m more present with my team
• And, surprisingly, I’m getting more done with less stress

We’re In This Together

Here’s what I’m realizing: as leaders, our stress isn’t just a personal issue. It ripples through our entire organization. By managing our own stress, we’re creating a better environment for everyone.

I’m curious – what’s your experience with stress? What techniques have worked for you? How do you balance the demands of leadership with your own well-being?

Let’s keep this conversation going. After all, we’re all in this together, trying to be not just more effective, but more fulfilled leaders.

Stay strong, and remember to breathe!