Performance Stress

The reason many endeavors fail lies in what we call “performance stress”—the constant worry about whether something will succeed and an excessive attachment to the outcome. This mindset fills us with fear and doubt, leading us either to act impulsively and irrationally or to give up before we even start.

For example, a client once told me:
“My current job doesn’t fulfill me at all. Every day I feel trapped. I’d love to do something else, but I don’t know if it will succeed—or if I’ll be able to make a living from it.”

It’s perfectly natural for people to have such thoughts and scenarios. However, when we try to become “fortune tellers of our own future,” we risk making poor decisions.
“So how do you know your new venture will fail?” I ask.
“What if it succeeds?”
Why do we always focus on the negative scenario—and base our decisions on it?

Another example: a woman is considering opening a small shop to sell handmade products and launching an e-shop to reach a global audience. But then comes that “second thought”: “What if it doesn’t work?” And in the end—she does nothing.

The same pattern appears with a student who wants to enter a specific university but doesn’t apply, choosing an easier option instead, simply because they don’t believe they can succeed.

In all these cases, the stress of performance prevents us from pursuing what we truly want, from claiming our goals, and from moving toward what truly fulfills us.

How can we overcome it?

1. Think rationally.
There are always chances of failure—just as there are chances of success. We can’t predict the future. What we can do is give our best effort, trust ourselves, and stay focused on what we can control.

2. Prepare properly.
Preparation is the foundation of success. Athletes know this well—especially those who train daily for competitions. Preparation might mean studying, researching, talking with experts who can guide you, or simply practicing consistently. With good planning and thorough preparation, even what seems impossible can become achievable.

3. Focus on the here and now.
Take one step at a time toward your goal without obsessing over what might happen. If you stay committed, keep improving, and give your best in every moment, the results will come—despite the inevitable uncertainties that always exist.

4. Have a consistent daily routine.
Every effort requires organization and consistency. Break your path into smaller stages and take at least one action every day—even if it’s just for an hour. Create your personal plan, discuss it with a coach, and stick to it. Your plan should be realistic and sustainable—not too easy, but not overwhelming either.

5. Avoid negative influences.
It’s not uncommon for people around us to discourage our ideas—sometimes out of fear, ignorance, envy, or even a misplaced sense of “protection.” Trust your instincts, rely on real data, and consult the right professionals. The road to success is often a lonely one, but it’s always worth it.

6. Maintain your personal motivation.
As you move forward, it’s crucial to keep your energy and enthusiasm high. Regularly remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Reflect on your dreams and goals—why do you want to achieve this? What will your life look like when you do? How will you feel? Visualize success, not failure. This mindset fuels motivation and momentum.

7. Take personal responsibility.
Stop complaining or blaming others—the economy, the circumstances, or the government. Yes, these factors exist and they do influence us, but ask yourself: “Where am I in all this? What can I do?”
The truth is, you can do a lot—if you commit, take initiative, and decide to make a difference, regardless of what happens around you. Just start, and you’ll see.

As the late personal development pioneer Jim Rohn once said:
“Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better. Don’t wish for fewer problems; wish for more skills and greater wisdom!”