Positive Stress?

Positive stress, or Eustress, is that which causes us to strive, to achieve, to self–actualize, and become all we can be.  Positive stress can be as little as hunger, or as big as the exciting when you find out you're having a baby, or graduating from college.  It is the “pressure” we place on ourselves that motivates us to achieve something that we see as positive or beneficial to us.  Therefore we gladly accept the added pressure because we really don’t mind the added pressure in order to achieve our goal.

A world-class sprinter will tell you before the race that their heart is beating a little faster, their palms are sweaty, their respiration is up, and they feel them old butterflies in their stomach.  This is positive stress.  Because the swimmer’s body is PREPARING for something that is worthwhile – The Gold Medal!  Even during the race when the sweat is pouring down their face, and the muscles feel like they are going to give out, it is positive stress that keeps them going toward the goal!

However, you have to be careful.  You can turn positive stress into negative stress by reaching too high, trying to be too perfect, trying to be more than you can possibly be.  The point is that no matter what, the sky isn’t always the limit, because in life there are limitations we all have.  It’s all right to be the best you can be just realize your limitations and don’t kill yourself in the process.