The stress (and mindfuck) curve 📈

Dear Readers,

I recently had a good call with a fellow founder. We talked about how our businesses are doing, discussed the changes we’ve made, and traded notes on how we’re dealing with pressure.

It turned out that we both feel grateful to be alive during these trying times. The business environment today is grim, but if you’re up for a challenge, then this is the time to buckle down and shine.

We’re also both meditating more often as it calms our souls. While there are a lot of uncertainties, we believe there isn’t a point to worry, especially when a lot of things are not within our control.

But that’s easier said than done.

The mental pendulum

Fortunately, Tech in Asia had a pretty decent March. (Note: For longtime lurkers reading my commentary, you can subscribe and support us at a very attractive rate here.)

But what’s gonna happen in April and the rest of 2020 and 2021? It’s truly a black box.

So my team and I can’t help but to think ahead and have Plan B, C, D, E, F, and G as we navigate the landmines.

I’m not zen like a Buddisht monk, and I admit that I find this whole Covid-19 situation quite a mindfuck. But really, let’s all calm down as there’s little point to worry too much about things that are out of our hands.

So that’s me, swinging between the “comfort” and “strain” zones like a pendulum. But overall, I feel great when I achieve optimal performance.

Source: The Link Between Pressure and Performance

By sharing this openly, hopefully you’ll know that you’re not alone. 🤗

I think it’s only human to be mentally bouncing back and forth in times of great uncertainty. Just avoid getting burned out and try as much as you can to enjoy the ride.

Here are some things I do which hopefully can help you find some equilibrium as we operate under tremendous stress. If you have any tips, please let me know all about it.