06/23/2026
During a coaching session, I shared the phrase: “You have to use your stress to stretch.”
One thing I’m learning through my graduate studies and coaching is that lasting change isn’t just about motivation. It’s about having strategies to navigate the stress, barriers, and challenges that inevitably come up.
As a coach, one of the things I support clients with is recognizing their stress patterns and finding healthy ways to manage them. Life is going to life, even when you’re striving to accomplish your goals. Challenges will come up.
That’s why it’s important to think about potential barriers ahead of time and create strategies that help you move through them. Some strategies may be simple, such as taking a few deep, cleansing breaths. Others may be more involved, such as creating an environment that supports the changes you’re trying to make.
Think about exercise. If your goal is to get stronger, you don’t stay at the same level forever. Over time, you gradually challenge yourself with greater resistance. That stress, when managed appropriately, helps you grow stronger.
The same principle can apply to other areas of life. Growth often requires stretching beyond what feels comfortable while also having the tools and support needed to navigate the process.
How do you cope with stress when challenges arise in your life?
Stay tuned for a deeper dive on Substack and YouTube.