MINDSETWeeks to result

Stress Leveraging Framework

Utilize stress

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Individuals experiencing stress and wanting to improve performance

Not ideal for

Those who are not willing to acknowledge and welcome stress

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Stress Leveraging Framework is a three-step approach to adopting a stress-enhancing mindset. It involves acknowledging stress, welcoming it, and utilizing the stress response to achieve goals. This framework is based on the idea that stress is a neutral response to adversity or challenge in goal-related efforts. By leveraging stress, individuals can improve their performance and achieve their goals.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Stress is a neutral response to adversity or challenge in goal-related efforts.
  2. The stress response can be leveraged to improve performance.
  3. Acknowledging and welcoming stress is essential to utilizing it effectively.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Acknowledge Stress
    Recognize when you are experiencing stress and acknowledge its presence. This involves being aware of your physical and emotional responses to stress.
    Pro tipKeep a stress journal to track when you experience stress and what triggers it.
    WarningAvoid denying or suppressing stress, as this can exacerbate its negative effects.
  2. Welcome Stress
    View stress as an opportunity to grow and improve, rather than as a threat. This involves reframing your mindset to see stress as a challenge to be overcome.
    Pro tipPractice gratitude for the opportunities that stress presents.
    WarningAvoid getting caught up in negative self-talk or catastrophic thinking.
  3. Utilize the Stress Response
    Use the stress response to achieve your goals, rather than trying to eliminate it. This involves focusing on the task at hand and using the energy and motivation provided by the stress response.
    Pro tipBreak down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to help focus your energy and attention.
    WarningAvoid getting distracted by non-essential tasks or activities.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
The Athlete's Mindset

An athlete uses the Stress Leveraging Framework to improve their performance in a high-pressure competition. By acknowledging and welcoming stress, they are able to focus their energy and attention, leading to a winning performance.

OutcomeThe athlete wins the competition and achieves their goal.
The Business Professional's Mindset

A business professional uses the Stress Leveraging Framework to manage the stress of a major project deadline. By utilizing the stress response, they are able to stay focused and motivated, leading to a successful project outcome.

OutcomeThe business professional meets the project deadline and receives positive feedback from their manager.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Denying or Suppressing Stress
Failing to acknowledge or welcome stress can exacerbate its negative effects and prevent individuals from leveraging it effectively.
Viewing Stress as a Threat
Seeing stress as a threat rather than a challenge can lead to negative self-talk, catastrophic thinking, and decreased motivation.
Trying to Eliminate Stress
Attempting to eliminate stress rather than leveraging it can lead to wasted energy and decreased performance.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Stress Leveraging Framework was developed by Dr. Alia Crum, who studies the physiological effects of stress. She found that the stress response can be a superpower, allowing individuals to narrow their visual attention, parse time more finely, and process information faster.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · PODCAST
Essentials: Science of Mindsets for Health & Performance | Dr. Alia Crum
Andrew Huberman · 2025
Open source →

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