“Don’t fight stress. Embrace it. Turn it on itself.”
– Jocko Willink
Stress is often seen as the villain in our lives—something to be avoided, managed, or suppressed. But what if we’re looking at it all wrong? What if, instead of running from stress, we welcomed it and used it as a tool for growth?
That’s the mindset of former Navy SEAL commander Jocko Willink, and it’s a game-changer.
The Enemy Isn’t Stress—it’s How We React to It
Most of us treat stress like a warning sign, an indicator that something’s going wrong. Our heartbeat races, our muscles tense up, and our thoughts start to spiral. We go into flight mode. We push it away, complain, or try to distract ourselves.
But what if stress is actually energy? What if it’s your body preparing you for performance—not punishment?
Jocko’s philosophy is simple but powerful: don’t waste time fighting stress. Instead, redirect it. Use its momentum.
Stress is Fuel—If You Know How to Use It
Stress isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it’s what powers athletes during competition, entrepreneurs during high-stakes deals, and soldiers during combat. The problem isn’t stress—it’s chronic stress with no outlet.
The solution? Reframe stress as preparation.
- Got an overwhelming to-do list? That’s stress telling you to focus and prioritize.
- Feeling pressure before a conversation or presentation? That’s stress getting your mind alert and your instincts sharp.
- Facing resistance in your goals? That’s the weight room for your willpower.
The key is to channel that energy into action, not inaction.
Turn It On Itself
To “turn stress on itself” means to let it drive you, not derail you.
Here are a few ways to do just that:
- Breathwork: When stress rises, slow your breath. It calms the nervous system and gives you control.
- Micro-action: Instead of freezing, take one small step. Stress hates momentum.
- Reframe: Say, “Good.” Yes—stress is here? Good. That means something matters. That means you’re alive and moving toward something worth doing.
Examples from Real Life
Think about a student cramming for finals, a parent balancing work and kids, or an athlete pushing through exhaustion. The stress didn’t defeat them—it focused them. Pressure becomes performance when you respond with purpose.
Final Thoughts
Stress isn’t your enemy. It’s your compass. It shows you what matters. And when you choose to meet it with strength instead of resistance, it transforms.
So next time stress shows up, don’t fight it.
Embrace it. Use it. Turn it on itself.
TheSpiritualExplorer 