The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams

by Seth Godin

78. Tension Is Not the Same as Stress Stress is the unhappy feeling of wanting two things at the same time. To stay and to go. To speak up and to shrink back. To get this done and to get that done. When we’re stressed, our brains undermine our well-being and we’re unlikely to find flow, joy, or significance. But tension? Tension is the feeling that leads to forward motion. Tension is a symptom of Pressfield’s Resistance. Tension is a countdown, a deadline, or a budget. Tension is the process of finding an answer to a riddle or the question that opens up a possibility. We know how to relieve tension. We can do it with reassurance, time, and insulation. We can pamper our guests, ease up on our requirements, or settle for average. But tension always accompanies change, and change is the hallmark of significance. The tension is good. It’s a sign we’re onto something. And tension is a tool. We can use it to make change happen.