Business By Hormozi #144: The Stress of Growth

Meet Lily and Adam, two close friends who were navigating the ups and downs of life. Lily had just started a new business venture, and Adam was climbing the corporate ladder. Both of them often spoke about the stress they were feeling. Lily would express how overwhelming it was to juggle everything: the endless decisions, the uncertainty, and the constant pressure to succeed. Adam, on the other hand, complained about the stress that came with being stuck in the same position for years, feeling like he was just treading water.

One day, while discussing their struggles over coffee, Adam said something that resonated deeply with Lily. "Growth is stressful. Stagnation is stressful. Decline is stressful." And then, with a grin, he added, "The only '100% stress-free' people… are dead people." It was a harsh truth, but it hit home.

The Challenge of Growth

Lily had always been eager for growth. She wanted her business to expand, gain new clients, and eventually build an empire. But with every step she took, she found herself feeling more overwhelmed. There were new challenges, responsibilities, and decisions to make every day. Growth, it seemed, was a constant state of stress. Whether it was handling increased workload, managing a growing team, or facing the uncertainty of new opportunities, there was never a moment of pure relief.

At the same time, she realized that without growth, her business wouldn’t survive. She couldn’t stay stagnant. Stagnation, too, was stressful. It felt like being stuck in a rut, constantly questioning if she was doing enough. There was no momentum, no excitement.

The Stress of Stagnation vs. Decline

Adam, though, wasn’t content with his current position either. He had been in the same role for years, and despite his hard work, there was no real progress. His career felt like it was plateauing, and he could feel himself growing frustrated and demotivated. He realized that while stagnation felt less demanding than growth, it was equally stressful. He had no room to expand his skills, challenge himself, or feel fulfilled.

Lily and Adam both understood the pressure of these two extremes: growth brought stress, but so did stagnation. And what was worse than stagnation? Decline. Losing progress, slipping backward, or watching everything fall apart—that was the kind of stress no one wanted. Growth is stressful. Stagnation is stressful. Decline is stressful.

Embracing Stress as Part of Life

As they talked more, they both came to a realization. Stress wasn’t something to be avoided—it was a part of life. It was a signal that they were alive, moving, and evolving. The key was to embrace it. Life wouldn’t be stress-free, but as long as they kept moving forward, kept growing, kept challenging themselves, the stress would be worth it.

Lily took a deep breath and decided to take the next step in her business, even if it meant a little more stress. Adam, on the other hand, began seeking new opportunities for growth in his career, willing to face the discomfort of change. They both agreed on one thing: The only '100% stress-free' people are dead people.

Conclusion

Growth, stagnation, and decline—all come with their own forms of stress. But the key to living a fulfilling life is learning to embrace the stress that comes with growth. It means you’re alive, you’re moving forward, and you’re evolving. Keep living, keep growing, and remember that while stress is inevitable, it’s also a sign that you’re pushing yourself toward something greater.