Achieve Success by Shifting from “Fight-or-Flight” to “Challenge” Response, Studies Suggest
Powerful Technique to Prevent Burnout
According to a revelation made by leading experts, the most underrated skill employed by successful individuals to prevent burnout is the ability to shift their stress response from “fight-or-flight” to “challenge.” While most people are familiar with the fight-or-flight response that triggers in the face of a perceived threat, experts point out that this stress response can be counterproductive in non-life-threatening situations, such as challenging deadlines or dealing with micromanagement at work.
Research indicates that our bodies struggle to differentiate between real threats and perceived threats, often leading to a perpetual state of anxiety or overreaction. However, high achievers have the ability to view stressful situations as challenges that can be conquered, thus shifting their stress response to a more beneficial mode.
Thriving in High-Stress Environments
Successful individuals who thrive in high-stress environments, such as business executives and police chiefs, possess the unique ability to treat stress as a challenge rather than a threat, as revealed by studies conducted by renowned experts. This distinct approach enhances resilience and can lead to improved health, emotional well-being, and overall productivity, even during periods of intense pressure.
Building Resilience through Self-Awareness
Building self-awareness forms the crucial first step in transitioning away from the detrimental fight-or-flight response. Experts suggest that when faced with uncontrollable stressors, individuals tend to create subjective narratives in their minds, which often give rise to self-criticism and catastrophic thinking. Resilient and successful people, however, challenge their assumptions, interrupt negative thinking patterns, and ask critical questions to gain better clarity.
For example, in the case of an unexpected organizational restructuring that may trigger job security concerns, adopting a challenge response would prompt individuals to proactively seek clarity from their superiors about their job status. They may also explore alternative opportunities elsewhere in the company or even external job options. By adopting a challenge response, individuals can approach stressful situations with a clear and problem-solving mindset, instead of succumbing to unnecessary fretting about hypothetical negative outcomes.
Fostering a Challenge Response
To cultivate a challenge response amidst stress, experts recommend individuals ask themselves the following questions when confronted with stressful situations:
- What are my strengths in this situation?
- What resources do I have?
- How have I handled similar stressors in the past?
By challenging negative assumptions and reframing stressors as opportunities, individuals can retrain their minds to focus on the positive aspects of a situation. This shift in perspective helps in nourishing a sense of accomplishment and rewards that can boost overall well-being.
Healthcare Workers’ Success Amidst High-Stress
The benefits of embracing the challenge response extend even to professionals working in high-stress environments, such as healthcare workers during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. By viewing stress as a challenge rather than a threat, these professionals were able to avoid burnout and thrive. The challenge response, akin to fight-or-flight in terms of its impact on cardiovascular health, activates the dilation of blood vessels, facilitating increased oxygen supply to the brain and muscles. This physiological response, coupled with a positive mindset, further helps individuals utilize their energy to succeed.
Embracing stress as a challenge rather than a threat has emerged as a powerful technique to prevent burnout and achieve success even in high-pressure circumstances. By shifting our stress response, we can enhance our resilience, health, emotional well-being, and overall productivity. The ability to recognize stress as an opportunity for growth enables individuals to navigate difficult situations with a problem-solving mindset, leading to better outcomes.
