Want the stretch without the stress? Of course you do. But how? How can I get the challenge I crave without the distress that comes with it? Here’s how.

Because stretching is good.

As a man alive on the planet, you need challenge.

Because a man without a mission is a sad sight indeed.

So make no mistake about it.

You need to go outside your comfort zone.

But sometimes you overdo it.

And when you overstretch financially, emotionally, or professionally, you can get mildly — or seriously — stressed.

And stress can be bad.

Because unchecked stress — when misunderstood — can have serious consequences.

Which you know.

Negative consequences — both physical and emotional.

So if you’re tired of those sleepless nights and failing relationships, keep reading.

But how to get the stretch without the stress?

First, get the stretch you need.

Because you do need the stretch.

In fact, stretching too little can be just as bad as stretching too much.

Because you know how it goes.

If you don’t have a big enough challenge, you wake up in the middle of the night and feel like life is passing you by.

Which it is.

Unless you’re actively looking for heart-pounding challenges, you’re falling behind.

So do look for challenges at work and in the private arena.

Challenges that range from asking for a promotion at work to asking for the intimacy you want this week — or even tonight.

And you know when you’re at that edge between what you want and what you have.

In fact, your heart is pounding right now at the thought of crossing over that boundary.

So ask for the stretch you need.

Ask at work — and ask at home.

And ask beyond what you think you can achieve — or it’s not a stretch — by definition.

And then change your relationship with stress.

But here is the really challenging part — how to get rid of the stress that comes with the stretch.

And here’s how.

Change your relationship with stress.

Because there is an upside to stress when you change your relationship with it.

Start by watching this 15 minute talk, below.

And check out this book.

And if you’d like to work on your particular situation with a seasoned men’s life coach — while keeping the stretch — feel free to be in touch with me at mark@marknewtonpdx.com.