Solving complex business problems isn’t what most people would call “fun.”

Sure, it feels good to experience that elusive aha moment and discover a breakthrough solution to a tough problem. But the road to those aha moments and breakthrough ideas can be pretty damn stressful.

After all, the stakes can be high. It can feel like your business’s future—as well as your own self-concept—are both on the line.

All that pressure can easily trigger your most ancient survival instincts. At the exact moment when you need to be able to think calmly, clearly, and creatively, your nervous system is more likely to go into a full blown panic.

• Instead of experiencing greater clarity and space for breakthrough insights to emerge, your body starts pumping stress hormones that completely cloud your thinking.
• Instead of seeing new solutions and possibilities, you get overwhelmed by negative internal chatter.
• Instead of accessing a deeper level of intelligence and hearing your intuitive inner guidance more clearly, all you can think about is your stress, fear, and anxiety.

If any of these experiences sound familiar, the good news is that there are ways to manage your state when that Amygdala hijack kicks in.

Over the next few posts, we’ll explore strategies for dialing in your mental game, clearing your head, and bringing your best thinking to every challenge.

In the meantime, what will you do today to start taking more direct control over your emotional and psychological states?

Will you pay closer attention to your own reactions, and think about your typical internal response to tough business challenges?