Stress as Part of Your Identity

Everyone says they're stressed. But what if stress has become more than a feeling—what if it's become part of your identity? In this episode, Catie Campbell challenges the idea that being busy, overwhelmed, and constantly stressed is normal. After working with thousands of leaders, she has noticed that many people unknowingly build their self-worth around stress, using it to feel important, productive, or needed. Catie explains why stress should be treated as information rather than identity, how an unhealthy attachment to stress can affect leadership and relationships, and why so many people struggle to disconnect from work—even when they're supposed to be resting. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and practical reflection questions, this episode will help you identify your own stress habits and rethink the role stress plays in your life. If you've ever answered "How are you?" with "Busy" or "Stressed," this conversation is for you.