How can you use stress to increase innovation performance?

It's so true that the first step to managing stress is to identify the source. Once you know what's causing it, you can start to develop strategies to cope. For me, a lot of my stress comes from deadlines and feeling like I don't have enough time to get everything done. When I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and identify the specific tasks that are causing me the most stress. Then, I break those tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. This helps me to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. I also find that it's important to take breaks and schedule time for myself to relax and recharge. When I'm well-rested and have taken some time for myself, I'm better able to handle stress.

I did my PhD research on entrepreneurial peak performance and well-being. Stress was a key variable in the equation. But first, you must understand what stress is and where it comes from. Eustress is good. It is motivating and energising. It is the secret sauce to entrepreneurial motivation. Distress is bad. It drives anxiety, discomfort, and pain. The distress that is most challenging to manage is that which is outside of our locus of control. If it's within our locus of control, we know we can address it. If it's outside our locus of control, we can't fix it alone, causing more anxiety. This is the stuff that keeps us up at night. So if your distress is outside of your locus of control, work on being mindful and let that sh*t go!

Reframing challenges in the context of innovation is a transformative approach, turning obstacles into springboards for growth. Viewing challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks fosters a culture of continuous improvement and creative problem-solving. This mindset shift is crucial for innovation-driven organizations, encouraging teams to embrace challenges as catalysts for developing new, effective solutions. It's about transforming the narrative from 'This is a problem' to 'This is a chance to innovate'. This perspective not only reduces stress but actively leverages it as a driving force for innovation.

Há muitos frameworks bons que ajudar a ter clareza do problema, gerando espaço de brainstorm para causas, hipóteses e soluções. Gosto do Problem Solution Tree e do Current Reality Tree, por exemplo. Aplico junto com o time e isso gera uma motivação a mais para resolver os problemas mais estratégicos para o usuário e para o negócio.

Stress is sometimes good but could lead to burnout. There's a thin line. If you're able to manage your way into the middle zone, then do as you please. But you should really monitor those levels for you and your team members. Nothing is worth an unhealthy level of stress.

If stress is harnessed correctly, it can be a powerful catalyst for innovation. We often think of stress as a hindrance to performance. If managed effectively, it can push us out of our comfort zones and trigger innovative thinking. View stress as a challenge, not a threat. But how does travel fit into this equation? Traveling is a form of experiential learning that exposes us to new cultures, perspectives, and challenges. It stretches our mental flexibility and adaptability, forcing us to come up with creative solutions. When we're pushed outside our norm, we start to think differently, and that's when innovation thrives. Remember, travel isn't just about relaxation - it's a tool for personal growth and professional innovation.