Feeling Overwhelmed and Disconnected? Answers to Common Questions
18.01.2026
“I need a certain stress level for high performance” — this was my credo for long. Even today, those sneaky little saboteurs sometimes get loud, pretending to help me, but actually pushing me harder.
My Aha Moment came during the Positive Intelligence Training with Shirzad Shamin. I realized stress itself doesn’t just challenge me — it quietly activates my inner saboteurs: The Judge criticizes every move, the Pleaser tries to gain approval at my expense, and the Avoider keeps me from facing uncomfortable but important tasks. Together, they quietly sabotage focus, clarity, and creativity.
The solution? Not more pressure, but more awareness. Pausing, asking the right questions, and noticing these saboteurs early gives space for clarity and calm. Performance doesn’t come from stress — it comes from the calm strength already inside me. 
Since then, I try to notice these little saboteurs early, give myself space to breathe, and approach challenges with curiosity instead of pressure. It’s not about removing stress completely — it’s about working with it instead of against it.
This shift changed not only how I perform, but also how I feel in my work and life. And honestly, it makes everything a little lighter and more joyful.
Want to read more? See my LinkedIn post.