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How to Overcome Fear, Stress, & Discomfort – The Science of Stress Mindset

A simple mindset shift can improve the way we learn, perform under pressure, and deal with stress

IMPROVING OUR MINDSET TOWARDS STRESS

Fear, stress, and discomfort are often barriers to learning and performance.

The good news: we can change that

Research shows that by shifting our mindset towards stress — embracing it rather than avoiding it — we can improve learning, health, performance, and decision-making. Whether it’s speaking in public, taking an exam, or handling everyday challenges, these strategies are practical and immediately applicable.

Game plan:

• Understand the real obstacles to learning: stress and discomfort
• Explore the research on stress reappraisal and mindset
• Learn how to put theory intro practice

Experts:
Jeremy Jamieson
Alison Wood-Brooks
Susan David
Kelly McGonigal
Ali Crum
Marc Brackett

Main Topics:
Learning to Learn
Overcoming Fear
Taking Action
Performing Under Pressure
Leadership

Production: Trevor Ragan
Animation: Martin Ariel Mendez
Music: Tom Fox

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Let’s work together!

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Jeremy Jamieson is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Rochester. His research focuses on stress, emotion regulation, and social evaluation. He is known for his work on stress reappraisal, which examines how changing the way we think about stress can improve performance and well-being.

Alison Wood Brooks is the O’Brien Associate Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Her research delves into how emotions influence decision-making and performance. She is particularly recognized for her studies on anxiety, stress, and how reframing these emotions can lead to better outcomes in high-stakes situations.

Susan David is a psychologist on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and the author of the bestselling book “Emotional Agility.” Her work centers on emotional resilience, personal growth, and how individuals can harness their emotions to thrive in the face of challenge and change.

Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University. She is known for her work on the psychology of stress and how mindset can transform stress from a threat into an opportunity for growth. Her TED Talk, “How to Make Stress Your Friend,” has been viewed millions of times and has helped reshape how we understand stress. Her book “The Upside of Stress” is fantastic.

Ali Crum is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, where she directs the Stanford Mind & Body Lab. Her research explores how mindsets—thoughts, beliefs, and expectations—shape the outcomes of stress, health, and performance. She has been a pioneer in studying how a positive mindset towards stress can enhance well-being and productivity.

Marc Brackett is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a professor at Yale University. He is the author of “Permission to Feel” and is renowned for his work on emotional intelligence and its critical role in personal and professional success. His research emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing emotions to foster better learning and relationships.

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