Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has once again provided timeless insight into stress management. Bezos believes that stress isn’t caused by hard work, but rather is a warning sign that you’re avoiding what’s actually important. In a quote revisited from a 2001 interview highlighted in a recent Fortune article, Bezos said that stress is often caused by procrastination, neglect of priorities, or overload. “Stress comes primarily from not taking action on things that are within your control,” Bezos said. “I find it as soon as I identify it, make the first call or send the first email. This dramatically reduces the stress that can arise.”
CEO’s position emotional effectiveness
Bezos’ interesting philosophy reframes stress as a diagnostic tool that acts as a signal that there is a problem that has not yet been resolved. He also notes that the key to stress management is confronting the causes of stress head-on. “Stress does not come from working hard,” he emphasized. “You can work incredibly hard and love it. Stress comes from ignoring things you shouldn’t ignore.”
This mindset from Jeff Bezos resonates with entrepreneurs and professionals alike, especially in an age where burnout is often mistaken for hard work.
Timeless advice in a high-stakes world
Even though the quote is 20 years old, this advice is still relevant. In today’s fast-paced, always-on work culture, Bezos’ advice serves as a reminder that clarity and action are the antidotes to anxiety.
Jeff Bezos’ wealth surges by $24 billion this week
Meanwhile, according to Forbes, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ net worth soared by $24 billion as Amazon’s stock price hit an all-time high. The rise in the company’s stock price reflects investors’ confidence in Amazon’s AI-driven growth strategy and cloud dominance. Bezos, who owns about 10% of Amazon’s shares, is now once again ranked as one of the world’s richest individuals.
