In my first five years of business, I did everything I could to get rid of stress.
I saw pressure as the enemy—something to be eliminated so I could “finally breathe.”
And I pulled it off.
I built systems, avoided tough situations, and shielded myself from the weight of running a company.
But what I didn’t realize was that by removing pressure, I also removed purpose.
I drifted. I felt disconnected. There was no edge to my work—no urgency, no real challenge.
Since then, I’ve flipped the script.
Now, I choose the pressures I carry.
I want the weight of delivering for my clients.
I want the pressure of leading my team well.
I want to know I’m working on the problems that matter most—because that’s where growth lives.
Pressure isn’t a curse—it’s a privilege.
If you’re a founder, stop trying to eliminate it.
Instead, become the kind of leader who can handle more of it… and watch your capacity (and your company) expand.