Are You Both the Integrator and Visionary?

Being Visionary and Integrator: Internal Stress

Psychology tells us about many forms of stress.  One of the more pernicious is internally generated stress - the stress we give ourselves.  External stress is from factors in our environment, or outside stimuli is a different thing altogether; from time management deficiencies to traffic, external stress is also a concern. But internal stress is commonly the friction between two opposing parts of our temperament or personality.

What Is Stress Doing?

The chemical results of stress are the release of adrenaline and cortisol.  We are all familiar with adrenaline and its powerful – yet short-acting – effects.  But cortisol – and its much longer-lasting effects – is just as powerful.  Between the two, people with an excess of stress will notice elevated blood pressure, difficulties getting proper sleep, suppressed immune system, and more susceptibility to anxiety and depression.  Stress is a chemical response to internal and external negative stimuli.

Visionary and Integrator: Stressful?

There is always some level of friction between a Visionary and Integrator.  The former thinks big and over the horizon; the latter believes in details and processes.  There is a time and place for both; in fact, having a balance between them is critical to the healthy growth of any business.  Awareness of this friction can lead to a balanced and healthy relationship.  But what if the Visionary and Integrator are the same person?  This is a recipe for internal stress.

What To Do About It?

I am in no way qualified to comment on stress reduction from a medical or psychological standpoint.  If you suffer from stress, the first place to seek assistance is with your primary care physician. However, if you are both the Visionary and the Integrator and you are feeling stress, there are some things that you can do about it.  The first is to find out if you are a true Visionary or a true Integrator.  While you probably already know the answer, you can take a brief online assessment here.

If you are a Visionary, you should consider getting a dedicated Integrator.  If there is no obvious Integrator, you can hire one – which may take quite a while – or you can bring in a Fractional Integrator.  Some Visionaries do both by beginning with a Fractional Integrator to free themselves up to spend the time to find a more permanent solution.  Either way, those Visionaries are addressing their stress.

Feeling stress and want to talk about it?  Book some time with me.