Beyond the Buzzword: What's Really Driving Your Stress, and How to Break Free

Written By Amanda Campbell

As a kinesiologist and resilience coach, I see it constantly: we're not failing because we lack discipline.

We're breaking because our definition of success is at war with our bodies. Here’s the truth most resilience training won’t tell you: you can’t “manage” your way out of a values misalignment.

When Richard Ellis trained as a personal values coach, something fundamental shifted—in himself and in how he worked with clients. He began to see that much of our chronic stress isn’t about workload or willpower; it’s about living out of sync with what truly matters.

Stress manifests in countless ways—physically, mentally, emotionally, even biochemically. While the “fight, flight, or freeze” response is vital for survival, many of us live there chronically, flooded with adrenaline and cortisol. Over time, this state drives inflammation, weakens immunity, and keeps us trapped in cycles of exhaustion and disease.

What are you sacrificing to meet an expectation that was never truly yours?

When you identify and honour your core values, your priorities become clear. The pressure to perform “perfectly” softens into purposeful action. Real resilience isn’t about pushing through—it’s about aligning your energy with what sustains you.

Helping clients move from survival to growth starts with meeting them where they are and guiding them to reconnect with their authentic selves. As a CEO, I understand the overachiever mindset—I once drove myself beyond my limits, chasing someone else’s idea of success.

In my Thrive Program, clients often experience those “penny drop” moments when they realise that the real source of pressure isn’t the external world but an inner conflict between their actions and their deepest values—or even a belief that they don’t deserve what they’re striving for.

If you’re caught between relentless drive and physical limits, pause and reconnect with what truly matters. Resilience is all about conscious, values-led living that supports both thriving and healing.

You don’t need to push harder. You need to get clearer. Ready to uncover your unique stress triggers and cultivate genuine peace and power?

Get your free Resilience Toolkit & my Resilience Formula here: https://www.bendlikebamboo.com/thrive-subscribe

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/vkU7cxLAERo

Related podcast: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rich Ellis on Energy Management for Leaders. Ep 58

Connect with Rich Ellis:

Connect with Amanda
Amanda Campbell is a Sports Kinesiologist, Speaker, and Author who helps CEOs and leaders build resilience to thrive through life's challenges. She hosts the Bend Like Bamboo Resilience Podcast and offers programs designed to maximise performance whilst reducing stress and preventing burnout.

You are welcome to book a complimentary discovery call to explore how we can work together: ​https://calendly.com/amanda_campbell_/15min?month=2025-01​

 

Speaking & Events: Amanda delivers wellness workshops and keynotes both in-person and virtually. To book: hello@amandacampbell.com.au | www.amandacampbell.com.au

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