In times of intense change, like what many of us are experiencing after the recent U.S. election (and some of us aftermath of Helene), it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Many of us may feel a mix of emotions—frustration, hope, anger, or a surge of new ideas. These moments, where so much we care about is at stake, naturally bring stress. Yet, if we shift how we view this stress, we can harness it as a powerful tool, using it to fuel our creativity and impact.
Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress, reveals that how we think about stress transforms our experience of it. Instead of viewing stress as an enemy to avoid, we can see it as a signal that something truly matters.
Stress is a signal to us that we’re dealing with something that really matters.
In McGonigal’s words, stress is “what arises when something you care about is at stake.” For us, as writers, stress can be an ally, a pulse that reminds us of the urgency and meaning behind our work.
My main concern and fears, as I expressed in a recent article and podcast, "Have the American voters just sealed the fate of our species on Earth?" were that the election of Donald Trump means a huge step back in our efforts to reverse climate change. I started out viewing the stress I was experiencing in a negative way, especially when I consider my age and my past history with cancer. I added to my fear that the additional stress would have a negative impact on my mental, emotional, and physical health.
But as I ponder McGonigal’s approach, I realized I could redirect that energy in a much more purposeful and positive direction. It also reminded me of my deep commitment to Earth as well as to my family.
Shift from Threat to Challenge: A Writer’s Response to Stress
One of the biggest discoveries McGonigal shares is the concept of the “challenge response.” Traditionally, we’ve been taught that stress triggers the “fight or flight” response, where we either resist or retreat. But there’s another option: the challenge response. When we approach stress as a challenge rather than a threat, we transform nervous energy into fuel for action.
For writers, this means looking at the post-election landscape as an opportunity to create, express, and engage. Instead of letting frustration or disappointment drain us, we can transform these feelings into a focus on what we want to build, share, and inspire. Just as an athlete thrives under pressure by viewing it as a challenge, we can choose to let the stress of this moment sharpen our vision and drive us forward.
For me, this shift happened when I began to explore how I could turn my concerns for Earth’s future into productive action, rather than let my fear for the climate paralyze me. In recent days, I’ve recommitted myself to the purpose behind my writing—empowering others, especially young people, to become stewards of the planet. Viewing stress as a challenge reminded me of the power of using my voice and experience to inspire others.
It also reminded me of a powerful online course, the Game Changer Intensive, I took shortly after returning from time in the Amazon rainforest in 2022. Both the journey and the course is offered by the Pachamama Alliance. I’ll be sharing more about both the organization and the course in coming weeks.
Say “I’m Excited!” – Reframe Stress as Fuel for Creativity
Imagine you’re about to speak at a rally or launch a powerful piece of writing into the world. Your heart races, and a wave of nerves washes over you. Instead of calming yourself down, McGonigal suggests embracing this energy by saying, “I’m excited!” This simple shift reframes stress as anticipation, transforming anxiety into motivation. (You may have noticed I shared how excited I was to be facilitating the Write On Purpose Masterclass next week. This mental shift really does work.)
As writers, we can use this approach whenever we feel the weight of our message. Instead of worrying about getting it “just right” or even worse “perfect,” we can channel that energy into excitement for the impact our words may have. When we focus on the difference we want to make, stress becomes a wave we can ride rather than a barrier holding us back.
Recently, I found myself trying this technique whenever I felt that old familiar stress about my creative work. Just last week, rather than letting fear pull me down, I reminded myself, “I’m excited.” My mission and commitment to Earth, my family, and future generations infused me with renewed energy and purpose.
Cultivate a Mindset of Meaning: Connect Your Stress to Your Values
McGonigal’s work also emphasizes the link between stress and meaning. Stress is highest when we are deeply invested, when we care about something larger than ourselves. If we can connect our stress to our values, it transforms from an obstacle into a compass pointing us toward what matters most.
Focusing on what we care about, transforms stress from an obstacle to a compass pointing us back to our commitments.
For example, many of us feel stressed about the state of democracy, justice, or environmental stability. Instead of trying to numb or ignore this stress, we can allow it to connect us to our values. For writers, this might mean journaling about why you feel called to write on certain topics, why truth, justice, or stewardship matters deeply to you. When we do this, stress becomes a reminder of our mission rather than a roadblock.
Reflecting on my own values, I asked myself why I write what I do. For me, eco-fiction more than just a genre; it’s one way I share my commitment to the future of the planet. The stress I feel about the future now fuels my creative purpose—it’s a reminder that my work is connected to something meaningful and vital.
Think Beyond Yourself: Bigger-Than-Self Goals
Science shows that stress becomes more manageable when it’s tied to goals that serve others or contribute to a greater purpose. As writers, our words can be more than personal expression—they can be contributions to a larger movement. What kind of change do you want to be part of? What kind of legacy do you want your writing to leave behind?
My vision as an author of eco-fiction is to inspire young people to become joyful, lifelong readers, and caring and responsible stewards of Earth and all its inhabitants.
In his work on personal growth, philosopher and coach Brian Johnson of Heroics talks about the importance of “Bigger-Than-Self Goals.” When we frame our work in this light, even daunting challenges gain purpose. Instead of writing merely to vent or express frustration, we write to uplift, inform, or inspire others to act. This shift in purpose can turn stress into a powerful motivator, reminding us that our work serves a greater cause.
Your Everest Awaits: Embrace the Journey
In moments of frustration or doubt, remember McGonigal’s metaphor of Everest. Facing stress is like scaling a mountain. If a climber felt stressed and turned back every time they encountered a rough patch, they’d never reach the summit. As writers, our journey will come with obstacles, moments of doubt, and dark nights. But each “cold, dark night” is also a step forward, a testament to our commitment to the journey.
The post-election landscape may feel like a steep climb, filled with uncertainty and high stakes. But by embracing the stress of this moment, we can become stronger, more resilient, and more determined. Our work as writers can be a tool for navigating this climb—not just for ourselves, but for all those who read our words.
Final Thoughts: Turning Stress into Purpose and Action
In a world as interconnected and challenged as ours, stress is inevitable. But McGonigal’s research offers a liberating perspective: stress doesn’t have to be our enemy. Instead, it can be our ally, a source of energy and meaning that fuels our creative expression and commitment to change.
As writers, we have a unique opportunity to transform our personal stress into words that resonate, stories that heal, and ideas that inspire. Let’s use the intensity of this moment as a catalyst to write the stories, articles, and books that only we can create. Let’s make stress work for us, turning it into purpose-inspired action and fearless creation.
At this moment, more than ever, I am reminded that our country, our planet, and future generations need voices willing to rise above stress and turn it into positive momentum. Writers, your pen is your tool, and this is your time. Let’s climb our personal Everests together, embracing the challenge and writing the future we believe in. And here are a few ‘reflection prompts’ and suggested ‘action steps’ to move you forward.
Reflection Prompts
What current stressor feels most relevant in your life, and how does it connect to your values? Consider journaling on this to better understand how your stress may align with your purpose.
What change would you like to see in the world, and how can your writing contribute to it? Envision your writing as part of a larger movement that addresses this need.
What bigger-than-self goal can you focus on to reframe your daily stress? Reflect on how each writing session, idea, or project can serve something greater than yourself.
What “cold, dark nights” are you willing to endure for your writing goals? Identify the sacrifices or moments of perseverance that reflect your commitment.
Action Steps
Adopt a “Challenge Response” Mindset: Next time stress surfaces, ask yourself how this moment could be reframed as a challenge, using that energy to fuel your work.
Practice the “I’m Excited” Technique: Anytime stress hits, especially before a creative task, remind yourself, “I’m excited,” and notice how it shifts your experience.
Engage in Purpose-Inspired Writing Exercises (like those above): Dedicate a writing session to exploring your values, connecting each stressor to a meaningful goal.
Set a Bigger-Than-Self Goal for Your Work: Define a goal that feels vital to you, then post it somewhere visible as a reminder of why you do what you do.
These exercises and action steps invite you to engage with stress in a way that fosters creativity and resilience. Embracing stress as a motivator and guide, we can find strength in our journey as writers and create the impact we wish to see in the world.
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