What's Stopping You Being More Confident?

19

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Interestingly, stress is the one malady under-confident people happily confess. When pushed to the limit, when stretched beyond endurance, when simply unable to cope, we’ll openly state that we’re stressed – and may even seek treatment. Yet such a confession is often the wrong way round. Stress is not the cause of our problems. It’s a symptom.

Until recently, I assumed stress had dogged my entire adulthood, and certainly my career. When confronted about my poor behaviour or my mistreatment of others – or simply about a regrettable response – I’ve readily blamed stress over any other trait or concern.

Indeed, the phrase ‘sorry [add name], I’ve been very stressed lately’ is one of the most common confessions to leave my lips. ...