Stress has a reputation for being harmful. But not all stress is bad. In fact, a healthy level of stress can keep you alert, focused, and motivated. The key is knowing when you’re in that optimal zone and when you’ve tipped past it. Leaders who can recognize that sweet spot are better equipped to manage energy, make clear decisions, and stay productive without burning out.

The optimal stress zone feels like a challenge, not a threat. It’s the space where your brain is alert, your focus is sharp, and your energy is steady. You may feel pressure, but it drives performance instead of draining it. This zone keeps you engaged. It’s what athletes call “flow.” Work feels hard, but it also feels good.

Step outside that zone, and the effects show up quickly. You might feel scattered or edgy. Your creativity dips. Small problems start to feel huge. These are early signs that you’re moving from challenged to overwhelmed. On the other end, too little stress leads to boredom or disengagement. In both cases, performance suffers.

Your job as a leader is not to eliminate stress, but to notice when you’ve crossed a line. That takes self-awareness. What does your optimal zone feel like? What do you notice in your body, mind, and mood when you’re working at your best? And how do those signs change when stress becomes too much?

Once you know what your zone feels like, you can start managing your inputs more intentionally. That might mean blocking time for deep focus, asking for support, or even taking a step back when you’re about to push too hard. It also means recognizing when your team may be out of their zone and helping them adjust.

Great leaders perform under pressure not because they avoid stress, but because they know how to stay balanced within it. They know their limits, and they know how to recover when things shift. That balance leads to better work, better health, and better leadership.

Our Core Program helps leaders learn how to spot their optimal stress zones and use them to their advantage. With the right tools and awareness, you can work in a way that challenges you without overwhelming you.