The #1 Reason You’re Stressed—And It’s Not Your To-Do List

#LeadandLift | Episode 131 | Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

You’re a high-achieving woman. You juggle the calendar, the clients, the kids—and still show up looking like you’ve got it all together. But under that smile? You’re burned out, running on fumes, and silently wondering: “Is this what success is supposed to feel like?” 

If that resonates, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this powerful episode of the Lead and Lift Podcast, host Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath reveals the real reason behind your stress—and no, it’s not your overloaded calendar.

The Truth About Stress (It’s Not Your Task List)

You’ve been told stress is just “part of the hustle.” That feeling exhausted and overwhelmed means you're doing something right. But Chabidaye calls BS.

Stress isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a signal.

A signal that something deeper is going on.

And the truth is, what’s draining you isn’t the number of tasks you have—it’s the pressure you carry while doing them. 

Let’s break it down...

1. It’s the Invisible Pressure That’s Draining You

Picture this: Two women are carrying the exact same heavy backpack. One walks with ease, the other struggles with every step. What’s the difference? How they carry it. 

Stress isn’t just about doing too much—it’s about the crushing internal expectations:

• Be perfect.
• Never mess up.
• Don’t drop a ball.
• Look successful doing it all.

💡 Key Insight: It’s not your tasks—it’s your thoughts about yourself while doing them that cause the weight.

2. Perfectionism Is the Real Productivity Killer

Chabidaye shares real client stories: women who delay IG Lives because they didn’t do their hair, or won’t launch a product because they’re still “perfecting” the sales page.

💬 “If I just do it perfectly, no one will see me struggle.”

Sound familiar?

But here’s the truth: You can’t improve what you haven’t launched. 

Think in drafts. Think in iterations. Perfection isn’t progress—it’s paralysis. 

🔥 Takeaway: Stop decorating the house while it’s on fire. Do the messy launch. Let it evolve.

3. You’ve Normalized Stress—and That’s the Problem

Chabidaye compares it to living on a noisy street—eventually, the noise fades into the background.

But just because something feels normal doesn’t mean it’s healthy. 

You’ve likely adapted to high stress, high pressure, and high expectations—and now, it just feels like “life.”

💡 Key Insight: It’s not until you step into peace that you realize how loud it’s been.

📝 ACTION STEP: Take 5 minutes and journal your answer to this question: “What pressure am I putting on myself that no one else is asking of me?” 

Awareness is your first tool to reclaim your energy.

 "You don't need to do more to feel better. You need to release what's weighing your down." - Chabidaye Jaglal Ramnath

Bonus Resource: Discover the REAL Cause of Your Stress

This episode pairs perfectly with Chabidaye’s free guide: “The #1 Reason You’re Stressed—And What To Do About It.” 

Inside, you’ll uncover:

• What stress really is (it’s more than being busy)
• Six science-backed ways to reset without canceling your calendar
• How to boost calm, focus, and confidence—without burning out

🎁 Download it now at leadandlift.com/stress 

Let Go of the Invisible Weight

You don’t need to hustle harder to feel better.

You need to release the pressure that’s been silently weighing you down.

Whether it’s perfectionism, people-pleasing, or pressure to prove—you deserve relief, peace, and balance. You deserve to breathe.

So take the first step. Journal your pressure. Download the guide. Say no to more doing and yes to being.

Because when you lead yourself with clarity and calm—you lift everyone around you.

Links mentioned in this episode: 

• Chabidaye Facebook
• Chabidaye Instagram
• Chabidaye LinkedIn
• Chabidaye Website