The world is changing at a breathtaking pace and we are right in the middle of it.

Coping with Stress - Why We Need to Rethink Do you ever feel like you're standing on an endless treadmill that keeps getting faster? Our world is full of challenges - from work pressure to personal relationship issues, from financial worries to constant bad news and 24/7 social media. Sometimes it feels like we're trying to run a marathon without ever seeing the finish line. Stone Age Bodies in a High-Tech World Our biological stress system, programmed in the "fight, flight, or freeze" mode, has hardly evolved since the Stone Age. These reactions that protected our ancestors from predators and other dangers are unfortunately often unhelpful in today's world, where stress is often more psychological in nature. On the contrary, they are rather hindering, as our bodies are constantly in an exceptional state. The Mirror of Life: How Our Past Shapes Our Stress Behavior The way we were raised and the beliefs we developed significantly influence our behavior under stress. Perhaps we were taught that there is only praise and recognition for good performance, or in a loud household, it may have been safer to remain invisible. It may also be that we had to take on responsibility early on and always had to do everything alone. These deeply rooted beliefs and experiences shape our automatic responses to stressful situations. They are like invisible threads that guide our decisions and feelings - often without us being aware of it. The associated thoughts such as "I'm not good enough," "I always have to do everything alone," or "I am less valuable than others" then quietly wreak havoc in the background. Henry Ford and the Power of Thoughts With my love for the subconscious, I have always been fascinated by Henry Ford's famous quote - "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right in both cases." It underscores the incredible power of our thoughts and beliefs. It may be more relevant than ever in the face of today's challenges. Because our inner belief system plays a crucial role in how we perceive and cope with stress. To develop new, helpful thought patterns, we must first recognize our old patterns, habits, and beliefs. This self-awareness allows us to consciously take new paths in dealing with stress. Of course, it also requires practical tools and skills. However, the inner attitude towards ourselves and the world is the driving force in how we perceive our lives. At Our Own Limit: Why We Overwhelm Ourselves Many of us constantly live at their limit - or even beyond. Driven by high expectations, whether from ourselves or from others, we try to meet everything, often at the expense of our health and well-being. This constant overwhelm is a breeding ground for stress and dissatisfaction. The only way to a stress-free, fulfilling, and successful life leads through personal development. It is a path that requires courage because it demands that we confront our deepest fears and insecurities. But this process of self-reflection and growth is essential to break free from the cycle of constant stress. Personal Development as the Key The journey to personal development is always unique and deeply personal. It is a process that not only improves our stress management but also allows us to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Through this process, we can learn to recognize and respect our own limits, to see our self-worth independently of external achievements, and ultimately to lead a life not dominated by stress but by satisfaction and fulfillment. A Shift in the Workplace These perspectives on stress management and personal development are also crucial in the workplace. A corporate culture that prioritizes the well-being of employees proves to be key to higher productivity and creativity. By creating space for individual development, an atmosphere is created that not only reduces stress but also promotes engagement and satisfaction. Innovative companies are increasingly recognizing that mental resilience, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence are crucial factors for success. Investments in the personal development of employees pay off. They create a work environment where employees feel valued and where coping with stress is understood as a shared task. The job market not only needs more skilled workers, but also more personalities who can withstand the challenges of the 21st century and still enjoy the many opportunities of this time.