Turning the tables on stress: From disabler to performance booster
For many professionals, stress can be disabling and disruptive - triggering our nervous system emotionally and physically. However, there is a way to harness stress for good.
Our client, a high-performing professional and parent, joined the Master Me Intensive with a clear goal: to develop a healthy relationship with stress and manage it more effectively to boost performance.
Over six weeks, we explored blind spots in goal execution and connected wellbeing practices to leadership and performance outcomes.
Creating an intentional approach to flip the switch
One of the central themes from the program was the deliberate inspection of their personal and professional trajectory.
By being more intentional about how they approached stress and challenges, they moved past distractions and the need for "rightness." This shift allowed them to see stress not as a barrier, but as an opportunity for growth. As they put it, they began to see life and work as a kind of “business nutrition,” where readiness and energy are key components of sustainable success.
The idea of holistic unification became another anchor during the program. The client worked on creating alignment between their mind, body and goals. They described it as "having the body ready to accept food" – a metaphor for how they now approach challenges, whether at work or in life.
Reappearing roadblocks countered with new found resilience
What surprised our client the most was the realisation that even after significant self-development, old challenges can resurface.
They encountered roadblocks they thought had been resolved, but this time approached them with more resilience and perspective. The program encouraged them to see these moments not as failures but as opportunities to lean into the challenge and grow further.
The mental and body toolkit that made it possible
A standout aspect of the client’s journey was their focus on breathing techniques. They found that quick breathing exercises became a key tool for resetting their energy, particularly during stressful moments. By working on CO2 tolerance, they were able to tap into longer-lasting energy reserves, allowing them to sustain high performance without burnout.
Looking ahead, they’ve expressed excitement about integrating the program’s frameworks into their daily life, trusting that the structures they've built will compound over time, especially in their personal and professional boldness.
Stop taking yourself so seriously
The client’s biggest advice to their pre-program self: "Stop taking yourself so seriously." This simple insight reflects a newfound sense of ease with stress and the understanding that failure is part of the process. They’ve learned to make time for experimentation and to view each new challenge as a chance to apply the tools they’ve acquired.
Boldness is also now the driving force behind their next steps. With newfound confidence and a holistic approach to wellbeing, they plan to continue pushing boundaries, not just for themselves, but also as a role model for their family and teams.
The client walked away with a stronger sense of agency, better equipped to handle stress, and a commitment to boldness that will fuel their future success.
Through the Master Me Intensive, we’re empowering professionals to not only achieve their goals but to approach life with a deeper sense of resilience and clarity.