I feel like I can't talk about this, but...

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[@RobertMilesAI]

The difference between "that's unhealthy" and "that would be unhealthy for me"

[@naiveskeptic]

Hey! Nice to see you here! Hope the AI safety is going well... cause it seems like it could be better

[@shiny_x3]

@@naiveskeptic hopefully Miles isn't solely responsible for that 😆 I'm sure he's doing his best

[@Cr3zant]

Most people don't have the privilege Hank has earned where they can choose to just "not work" if they want to as well as the benefit of doing the kind of work they can enjoy without abusive superiors lording over them, so the concept of working as much as he does and enjoying it is just very foreign to them.

[@41-Haiku]

Oh hey! Nice to see you around these parts. Imagine if Nerdfighteria became aware of the state of AI Safety / AI extinction risk. That would be huge.

[@maryann4451]

Yes! This!!

[@Gulgathydra]

Stress is the wind that fills Hank's sails and pushes him along on his journey. _...and occasionally capsizes his boat._

[@vlogbrothers]

WEEE!!!!

[@erinphilippe5993]

WOOO!!!!

[@shaynannigans]

😅 I am also like Hank, it’s weird to see something so relatable? It’s validating and very comforting to see.

[@hrothgar014]

Calm seas never made a skilled sailor.

[@isa7165]

I love the imagery of Hank constantly zooming past us on his sailboat

[@jessflacks]

I can’t explain why but I feel like we are in a nerdfighteria renaissance period

[@vlogbrothers]

Oh! That's nice to hear!!

[@jessflacks]

@@vlogbrothers it’s very nice to be a part of!!! i’ve been a nerdfighter since 2013 and this isn’t the first time it’s been like this but i’m enjoying it

[@luisoviedo8948]

it's hank's journey of meaning tbh

[@fossilfighters101]

no i totally get it. i blame tbfighters

[@danielduvana]

I feel the same!!

[@AndrewMorris-wz1vq]

Having had a couple periods of burnout before, one thing I've noticed. All of the times people said "careful you will burn yourself out" were almost always wrong. It wasn't the work. It wasn't a couple of late nights, or early mornings. It wasn't huge stakes or risks. It was always unplanned burdens slowing down the thing I wanted to happen. It was suddenly having to write a report or make an excel app for the boss. Some other tedium that I had not signed up for. On one hand, that is life, but I have learned that "being lazy" and automating or slacking off on things I don't care about, so that I have more room to deal with things I don't yet care about but am obligated to do is very important. All so I can burn a little hotter on the things that excite me more.

[@connormcgee4711]

I have never thought about this before. Thank you for the anecdote

[@geoff5623]

Yeah, I've worked long hours on projects I care about because I keep wanting to just finish one more thing and am excited to start on the next task each day, even if it's something repetitive. At the end I'm tired but fulfilled - and just need a good long weekend to sleep in and take it easy. Conversely, I've worked on tedious, low-stakes projects that only require a fraction of my time to work on and just been constantly completely exhausted because it takes so much mental effort to just get started on each piece. There was no reward, or fulfillment, or even just a break from the work on the horizon, and burnout took months to start recovering. I think there's a threshold where high stakes and risk and overwhelm can cause burnout by themselves, but it's usually when you also lack agency and aren't sufficiently rewarded for the effort.

[@Huhhuhwhuhuhh]

So, SO insightful. I feel this.

[@KennethGabriels]

100% why I am at home right now. My work is easy and I enjoy having those last 2 or 3 days a month to check up on a few things and send out notices, but the company merged and suddenly I got asked to do things only I could do that are not part of my job. Therefor getting behind further and further each month.

[@-beee-]

I’ve also been reflecting on the difference between fulfilling, energizing work and burnout. I think for me a big part of it is feeling like the work MATTERS. The more things feel like shouting into the void, the more it feels energy-depleting, but when it feels like the investment in time, energy, and care is producing something valuable, the more it often feels energizing. But I’m not sure that’s fully something I control.

[@tariniagarwal5252]

There's stress to a certain amount called eustress which makes us more motivated and exactly the right amount of whelming!!

[@1000Tomatoes]

Only works with accute stress though, chronic stress and things you feel like you have no control to change just lead to distress (ie when the trees start falling over)

[@carolinec5010]

The problem is finding the balance when you're prone to mental health issues.

[@tomrogue13]

Bring back whelm as a word!

[@Calicido]

Study Hall Psychology!

[@cathyshappell1148]

Agree, I know from my own experience, no stress means I have zero energy to get things done. I love the way he explains it.

[@CalypsoTheJellyfish]

As a severe AuDHD person.. if there's zero stress, nothing is going to get done. Even if the stress, deadlines, importance is self imposed... there has to be some kind of urgency or it's just gonna sit there

[@Maistra13]

Yep fellow ADHD-er here, you can give me a year to do something but guaranteed I'll find a way to not work on it at all until the deadline approaches. Deadlines and structure are a necessary evil in my life. I hate it but need it!

[@eVill420]

this is how I've decided to do my studies. every day I will sit at the university from 8am until 4pm, and to pass the time I will study. It's only been a week of the semester, but I already finished an essay for the end of the month, did my homework for like the first time ever and studied the focus of my course for like 16 hours. I'm probably going to ace every class, and I can even take more classes, at this rate

[@austincde]

Boo!👻👻👻 heres your reminder to do thing!

[@TheStarspire]

How do you get self imposed stress to work? I can’t make it click because I know it’s not, like, a universally observable fact.

[@CalypsoTheJellyfish]

@TheStarspire I pick a date/reason. "I need to get this done by Saturday, so I can enjoy my weekend" or not allowing myself to do things until finished. "You can't watch the new video from *insert channel here* until *insert task* is done.

[@williambatchelor2267]

Practicing therapist with ADHD here! I have found both in my personal and professional experience that in the short-term stress can be a positive force that can help motivate and focus during challenging times. The ongoing chronic stress is what leads to long-term impacts to wellness. Something I should note: Like Hank said people can have different tolerances for stress. The definitions of short-term and long-term stress will differ from person to person.

[@misspat7555]

People are basically evolved to endure periods of stress. It’s never been reasonable to expect our environments to not occasionally try to end us. However, feeling we are in continuous danger for years on end is not good for us, and we do eventually break. 😕

[@kashiichan]

+

[@2adamast]

So if you chop down ongoing stress into smaller chunks, you're good to go. Where on the contrary you look at your short term stress and start reflecting that there is always tress, you're in for failure.

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

Thank you for bringing your work to the community!

[@AidanPatko]

We’re getting excited for Pizzamas here at the warehouse! The first round of shirts came in today!

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

Exciting! 🍕🎄

[@jortand]

🍕YES

[@FreaJones-ez1em]

Yayyy!!!

[@_maxgray]

Thank you for all your hard work that brings people such joy!

[@morganburt2565]

“i don’t wanna let my expectations of how i should feel limit my ability to know how i actually feel” god the eternal struggle!!! especially when it comes to ambition, i get too focused on how i want/feel i need to feel to see when i’m starting to burn out. great video!!

[@berval7719]

3:02 "I'm having a lot of fun" -Hank said, looking definitely like a man having a lot of fun

[@JKMeZmA]

Showing up on time for vlogbrothers is a magical occurrence

[@ElizabethLopez-hx6xv]

OMG same!

[@canisaureus9993]

Indeed 😍

[@adag87]

Right?!

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

Congrats everyone

[@adamragsdale9442]

I think of it as, like, stimulation. If there's NOTHING going on (understimulated), I go nuts. If there's TOO MUCH going on (overstimulated), I go nuts. But there's a sweet spot in the middle where I have just enough to do that I stay busy and entertained while still having time to rest in between.

[@spark_matter]

This is my current problem, I am audhd and understimulated as hell with the lack of stress in my life but my immune system decided to have a skill issue and prevent me from safely being able to Do Things... going nuts is exactly how I feel, i miss the sweet spot of "my life is full of stuff but its all fun and intellectually interesting stuff"

[@thewinterizzy]

“If it’s Saturday I bet they’ll still take your money.” 🤣 Happy to hear about all the projects!! May the winds be just right.

[@redhead3322]

“I think I was born to enjoy a stronger breeze” is a nicer way to say the thing I say “I think I just idle higher” Thanks for speaking for people who enjoy all things!

[@luisoviedo8948]

I love the "IM HAVING FUN" said so aggressively! You're doing great, and we love the things you do, Hank!

[@saikoujikan]

John: I manage my stress until I can find moments of calm Hank: Calm is the empty space I must fill with more stress.

[@thexaw]

I'm very similar to you when it comes to enjoying having a lot to do, but I like to differentiate the bad version as "stress" and the good version as "pressure". I think having a lot of pressure on you implies that there's something to accomplish, while stress implies that there's so much stuff to do that you have to lower your quality of work to make it through. That's not how those words work I'm pretty sure, but that's how I see it in my head.

[@inkimi9306]

That's interesting! In my head they're flipped, i associate "pressure" with a crushing weight and caving in, and "stress" with rushing, including the rush of something exciting, a high. I totally see where you're coming from tho!

[@moncielvariable]

If you define your words you can use words however you like!

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

I love finding words to better fit the feelings!

[@GiantPetRat]

I also have ADHD and am instinctively attracted to chaos, but this often results in me waiting until the last minute to get things done because hey, deadlines are stressful as hell but also lowkey more interesting too?

[@Karishma_Unspecified]

Hank, Hank, Hank!!!! As a neurodivergent person, I really relate to your experience of stress, and highly recommend looking into the differences between eustress, acute stress, chronic stress, and anxiety, and how these affect adrenaline and cortisol levels. Because I'm pretty sure that ties into things somehow but idk how yet.

[@SMFortissimo]

This reminds me of nursing school. It boggled my mind when I realized how many of my classmates were HOPING to get a practicum in the ER. Turns out healthcare tends to attract people who thrive in a fast-paced environment. Anywho, I'm in outpatient now.

[@dreamfaller6372]

I think there are a few factors here: You work for yourself and your company (correct me if I'm wrong) so you really get to decide what you do, what projects you involve yourself in. You get to work on things you really believe in and that give you purpose. You've also hinted that you and John are in a pretty good spot when it comes to finances so you don't have that kind of stress and pressure. Most people go to work and just do what their bosses tell them to do to get the paycheck at the end. Quite a different work experience.

[@dreamfaller6372]

Personally I'm somewhere in between. I like my job, and I get a similar rush when I finish off tasks etc but man, am I glad it's the weekend now😄 there are so many other things to do😊

[@sarahvnyc]

Yeah. I worked for a business owner who was the "I thrive under stress!" type and boy, that sucked for me, because the whole company was under constant stress all the time. Under-resourced, under-supported, constantly behind schedule. I just kept thinking about how I could do it better and more efficiently and more calmly with less wasted time. What works for one person doesn't work for another.

[@geoff5623]

That autonomy (and financial security) is important, but I think he's talked about the stress of being CEO and all the jobs to do and the people that rely on him for their own livelyhood. Being a business owner, there can be a lot of things that fall on your shoulders, especially when things are growing but not quite at the point where you can hire someone to split up responsibilities or delegate them yet. I think since they've hired a new CEO, Hank can focus on what he's interested in and does best, and its great to see him excited and doing so many things.

[@mossman15]

i recently learned the term eustress, which is a counterpart to distress. and from the very little I understand distress is typically avoided because it cause the amount of fight/flight that causes your body to start becoming less productive and potentially causing long term negative effects like trauma where eustress causes the kind of adrenaline that stretches and grows you as a person and causes more generally positive long term effects. (i learned this from a psychologist on tiktok and have not further looked into it but i really appreciate the new language for a feeling ive often experienced)

[@sleepingroses761]

This is a fun newterm to hear, thanks for sharing! Also, thank you for being honest about sources. 🙂

[@juliasophical]

"I don't wanna let my expectations of how I should feel limit my ability to feel how I actually feel." -- Hank Green (I need to get this framed and put it on my wall!)

[@blueberryadept6519]

Pizzamas is just around the corner!

[@ValeriePallaoro]

Cross stitch. You should take up cross stitch. So it’s not only educational but archaic and pretty.

[@SimoneEppler]

Yes. Same.

[@JoshWolabaugh]

4:05 Hank Stormblessed

[@ybavly]

He has spoken the fourth ideal!

[@Lightspren]

Heh

[@muchadrewaboutnothin]

I like this quote about work: "This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations." -George Bernard Shaw

[@FTLGuillotine]

I totally get it. I'm a 3rd year Math Major, and I felt the perfect breeze when I was taking Calculus, Elementary Linear Algebra, and a 200 level E&M Physics class. That was more difficult than any other quarter of school I had experienced previously, but it didn't feel like it, I truly loved all 3 of those classes. Similar thing in my Spring Quarter of last year where I was taking Calc 3, Diff Eq, and another 200 level Physics class (sadly the stress and me letting go of my routines around health and little bit gave me very bad insomnia, so that's why it's not the example I use.) Now, I'm moved into my University Dorm, as I transferred from a community college. And pretty suddenly everything felt like a hurricane, destroying everything around me. I'm 350 miles away from my family, I hadn't taken college classes over the summer, so I had to regain my ability to study while also doing 300 level classes, my girlfriend broke up with me, I had very few friends coming here and so I had to try and make new ones while also having extreme difficulties even opening my mouth around strangers (so far making friends is starting to work out now). I hadn't felt that sad in a very very long time. But now things are getting better. Even through all of this difficulty I still feel like I wouldn't want to do things differently (maybe go to a different university, but that's fine), I think that this experience will be worthwhile in the long term, despite how hard it is, I think it's worth it. I don't think I would feel fulfilled enough if I wasn't trying to push myself to the edge of what I was capable of.

[@colonelb]

It's easy to forget that we've evolved and thrived to be problem solving creatures - which, by definition, means we need problems to solve, and that boredom actually reveals an existential crisis of us not fulfilling our evolved purpose of solving problems. We of course want to be solving problems we believe we have a better than 50/50 shot of solving, otherwise futility sets in, but if we're in that optimal zone of solving problems that challenge us but that we can handle, that's the dopamine and serotonin emporium.

[@KooblayKhan]

"how I feel, vs how I think I should feel," is exactly what I'm doing right now too! I've got some complex PTSD and am doing therapy for it. And during this time, I feel like I'm trying to step into storms to see if I like the feeling of the wind. I don't know! And it's nice to hear about your experience with it too.

[@earnestlanguage4242]

C-PTSD is also like fixing the plane while flying it. Good luck and strong work!

[@adag87]

Not limiting how you feel by thinking about how you should feel is a 2024 MOOD for sure. Also, not sure if I can contribute financially but that kickstarter sounds cool as hell. I ❤the wooly mammoth. Good luck, Hank!

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

This is fun to read about 30 seconds into the video x) I also

[@loveboundselkie]

I have never actually heard the “but I like it this way and it’s fine for me” from anyone else outside my family. But it’s what I’ve always felt. I ENJOY work.

[@devilslamp7306]

0:49 Hank lives in Duckburg, confirmed.

[@RJ_Eckie]

Oh man in the current state of online conversation I am freakin ✨celebrating✨ when someone expresses doing well and enjoying themselves!! I feel like we can allow ourselves to lean a little more to that side 🫶🏻

[@MrShayne5555]

After going through rehab recently I learned that there are many kinds of stress. Good, bad, encouraging, debilitating, physical, etc. Stress serves a crucial part in our motivation and desire centers, up to a certain point. It acts as a warning system to tell yourself that there is something that needs your attention; That attention is meant to produce solutions. To me it feels like there is an expectation that life will be pain, struggle, and stress free for everyone, but that will never be the case and is overly idealistic. The reality is that all those things are good in controllable amounts and can make you feel more accomplished and successful. I very often experienced debilitating stress because the situation I was in was stressing OTHERS out, and as a result I felt i NEEDED to join them in their emotions. I am learning, slowly and with much struggle, that others emotions to my situation are irrelevant and how I feel about something is my own. Removing yourself from the collective emotional reactions of society is a real internal struggle, as humans we want to feel and think like our peers, but their feelings may not be relevant or helpful to you. Hank, I hope this doesn't come across wrong :/. I often looked up to John as a role model, someone who shared my struggles (to an extent) and was still successful by my definition. Hearing you share your recent struggles and seeing your progress is amazingly encouraging to me. It reminds me that we are all human, all prone to worries and strife, and ALL capable of recovering and growing. If anyone has any comments, other perspectives, or issues with this opinion please reply! I'd love to see what people think.

[@Rachel-lq8sc]

As a cis woman I wonder how much of these feelings are influenced by gender roles? I’ve been taught all my life to prioritize my time for others and while I’ve worked on balancing that I also can’t imagine filling up my time with my own projects and goals to the point of which Hank talks about it. My time doesn’t just belong to me.

[@charleyb.8286]

Your way of talking about stress & how different people function better under different amounts of stress is honestly so helpful for someone like me who is autistic. I definitely need a little bit of stress and external motivation to y'know. Get something done. But I've had a hard time communicating how, in your words, people have different wind tolerances and certain stressors create stronger winds for some people than others. Keeping up my usual routine (work, normal chores, talking to people I see daily, etc) are all nice healthy breezes for me but doing things outside of my routine (meeting new people, going to unfamiliar places, going to a crowded event) are all much stronger breezes for me than other people. And the stronger breezes can be fine in moderation but too many at once without a break is definitely going to capsize my boat!

[@AllenLeland]

The amount of stress that is necessary for me to get things done as an AuDHD person is just like you explained hank. I really like feeling the breeze as well, and yes I have had moments where I have regretted every decision ever. It reminds of the song Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks.

[@dragonflies6793]

There's a teacher that means the world to me and my headmates and has for a few years now, and one of the lessons she's taught us is that passion for learning can be a part of health and wellness, rather than always separate in some school/wellness binary. This was in the context of academics, but I think it applies here too. Glad you're doing so much that brings you joy!

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

Neat! What are headmates? Are they like the committee members in my brain who get to vote on each decision?

[@Idefilms]

1:39 "Filming a new show in Los Angeles in October" EXCUSE ME??

[@conqu2]

Are we getting a S2 of Mentopolis???

[@Idefilms]

@@conqu2 Maybe?? Almost certainly a Dropout property, in any case.

[@geeksdo1tbetter]

I just finished season 1 2 weeks ago. So much exciting for the possibility!

[@wynd2011]

Their next show is Gastronaughts- maybe he'll be on that

[@Idefilms]

@@wynd2011 If they're filming it in October it probably won't be out until spring 2025 at the earliest, and most likely the summer. So it's likely something else! But I'm really looking forward to Gastronauts. (Also, while I think Hank might definitely partake in other shows while he's there, I'm not sure he'd go to LA just to shoot a half-hour episode. Which is why I think it could be a longer series, like more D20.)

[@Jedi_Vigilante]

Just wanted to let you know that my Intro to Philosophy course at a local community college had many of your Crash Course videos as "Supplemental Aids" and they actually helped me a lot! So thank you, and you really are making a difference in a way that reaches people who may not even know who you are (yet). I mean, I'd seen some of your content before but it was a pleasant surprise to hear your voice while listening to professor-recommended videos rather than just for my personal enjoyment. I know hearing stuff like that can also be a day-maker, so I hope this helps.

[@acorn_woman]

I totally understand thriving a certain amount of stress. Every year in December, I host a 25 day fundraiser where I'm raising money for Feeding America and promoting volunteerism by volunteering a lot. Doing 50 volunteer hours in 25 days while being a college student during finals and keeping up with my social life is very stressful, but I find it so incredibly fun. Accomplishing it every year feels like a huge thrill

[@misspat7555]

You can absolutely talk about it! “No stress” is no better than “massive stress”. A moderate amount of stress keeps us sharp and focused. It’s what we evolved to handle. ❤

[@ApequH]

Depends on the storm. I'm losing my house again, that's to much storm

[@TheBeccabus]

It definitely depends on whether you chose the things that are causing you stress. When it's all outside your control it's definitely worse. That sounds like a terrible storm to be in 😢

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Been there…definitely too much storm. I hope you have some options or choices that help make it easier to bear. Also, your people/support network should be helping. Those who stick around through the hard times are the keepers. I wish you the best, as well as patience and fortitude. 🍀

[@BathOLeastResistance]

I have a fellow neurospicy friend and we started describing it as riding/surfing the wave. Like its amazing all this momentum behind you until you start stumbling and it sweeps you up

[@FattyMcFox]

Also consider " Is it stress you are thriving on, or stimulation" because there are other forms of stimulation than stress, and if you don't make the distinction, like many in my life haven't you will find that the stress is killing you while everyone else thinks you are thriving, and contribute to the stress thinking they are helping, when they are killing your soul. Stimulation could be inspiration, enthusiasm, a shared joy, or it could be stress. If you are thriving on stimulation and not just stress, seek ways to get stimulated without being stressed.

[@Huhhuhwhuhuhh]

I JUST got out of therapy. Today’s topic? Burnout. Thank you for your transparency. I’m right there with you and feel less alone because of this video.

[@talinsaghdasaryan6675]

The idea of scientifically accurate dinosaur and mammoth figurines is something I didn't think I needed in my life 😂❤

[@AGirlCalledLevi]

I work in manufacturing that also has compression and injection molding as part of the process. If those molds are costing you more than 5 to $10,000, you might be being overcharged. Also, amortizing your molds can make it more affordable. Especially if you have a mold supplier who's worked with you before, they should be open to an amortization plan. Though you may already have that in place just based off the fact that you said you have to sell a certain number of them to afford the mold LOL

[@Tokechan]

How I often think of it, is that "comfort" and "fulfillment" are 2 different sub-categories of "happiness" (along with other granular aspects) that are often at odds, and you kinda have to find your balance to the extent that the world and your circumstances will allow

[@username-unavailable]

Good Morning Jank (your names combined- is that fine?)

[@perplexingHodgepodge]

I prefer Honk and Jane 😂

[@tradutorajuliana]

Jank is so good lol

[@organicgrains]

@@perplexingHodgepodge I think I also prefer Honk and Jane

[@vampyricon7026]

Hohn

[@Pepsicanification]

Jonk ;)

[@tag180rotax]

Amazing descriptions of stress, I can absolutely relate. I stack plates high and walk on a treadmill and it becomes easy but then the slope or speed increases and it becomes extremely challenging. Sometimes, the breaker throws and the treadmill stops but I am still charging forward with an armful of glassware

[@key1526]

Recently I've been trying harder to push myself out of my comfort zone consistently. I have a very strong tendency to spend all my time indoors with people and things I already know. Though, I've started to realize that doing the same things over and over again, while predictable, leads VERY EASILY to rumination, anxiety, depression, and just general mental health issues for me. Once you start to lose your frame of reference for the world around you, it suddenly feel like it is just you vs everything else, and life really does become a small bubble of whatever you've surrounded yourself with. I've been building up my tolerance for new things over high school and my freshman year at college, and now I think I can say I'm at the point where I actually want to say yes to plans in advance, and make my schedule around those plans instead of worrying so much about having enough time to myself. This week I've had school, my part-time job, club meetings, homework, and still chose to make plans with friends. This weekend I'm volunteering, going clothes shopping, going on an entire rock-climbing trip outdoors for the first time, and maybe even showing up to a party if I still have the energy. All of this would have been catastrophic for a younger me who was obsessed with anime and couldn't bear to make small talk for more than 5 minutes. I can relate in part to Hank's situation here because I am always trying to weigh every commitment I make. Can I really handle 8 hours a week of meeting new people for my job? What if I make plans with friends and then can't back out once I realize I'm exhausted and won't have fun? And it can be weird from an outside perspective because I take 18 credit hours of CompSci classes but somehow it is the least energy-intensive thing on my schedule. I think the point is, you just have to learn your limits through trial-and-error. It can take a long time, but you are definitely able to get to a point where you have a good balance of new things and familiar things. I'm glad I've gotten this far, and I'm sure my tolerance will change more as I keep living. Can't wait to find out!

[@key1526]

Also! I don't thing I would like doing the sort of thing Hank Green is doing, like making educational videos, existing in the public eye, making commentary of large-scale issues within our society... I struggle enough with coming to terms with global issues (especially the man-made ones) that thinking about that full-time would destroy me. But I'm sure I do plenty of things that Hank Green wouldn't wanna commit to either. The great thing about human diversity is that people are good at different things, and so we have computer scientists and mathematicians making breakthrough after breakthrough; artists who devote themselves to resonating with others' souls or perfecting their technique; and we have science communicators who try everything and tell us that it is okay to hope, that we have reason to hope, and that the future rests within our grasp. And every single one of us are going to have something different that makes the world a better place to live in.

[@havenp]

I don't know you, but I'm proud of you! That really resonates with me. I graduated college this past year and unfortunately, I let myself fall into that bubble of comfort and never pushed myself to branch out into doing new things. It can definitely wreak havoc on your mental health. I think it's good to test your limits and feel that discomfort/anxiety. Just remember, you can always set boundaries if you really feel like you're spreading yourself too thin.

[@subhuman7]

I really relate to this feeling, and I feel like I'm also in a "I’m trying to figure out what I like about life because I only get so much of it to live" moment. I'm on the other side of this, where I actually don't have enough things I care about or am passionate about to push me with a healthy amount of stress, and it's miserable. I'm trying to find new things to be involved in, but it's actually surprisingly challenging.

[@eileen7303]

boy do i get this...

[@movingforwardLDTH]

Yep, after decades of careful planning and then other stuff happening, I can definitely relate to the “regret every decision ever” experience. Trying to bounce back from it, but it is very, very overwhelming, difficult, and - in my case - scary.

[@DelorienAz]

Omg you're opening for someone who's been on QI, goals!

[@Graelcase]

Closer and closer to Taskmaster

[@BriWhoSaysNi]

People like to talk about stress as though it's a singular thing which is always bad, but it's not. There's So Many different types and levels of stress, and everyone has an ideal level where it helps them feel good and motivated without feeling overwhelmed. For some people their ideal amount is low, and other people do better with higher amounts. It also likely helps that these are stressors that you're actively choosing for yourself and are passionate about, rather than things that you're being made to do by other people, or which you don't like and aren't interested in. Personally, I'm glad you like all the work you're doing! I'm glad you've got an optimal level of stress going for you! I wish more people were in a position to work at their preferred level!

[@kemerydunn9532]

I felt this so hard. I'm listening to it while at the woodshop *after* my office job was over, with a spreadsheet to make sure I have everything made in time for Comic Con and.... I've got 74 things to make in 18 days. So. That's neat. And it doesn't even end after comic con cause then it's Christmas season and it doesn't end after that because I'm trying to get into a 4th comic con next year. I've got the day job, the woodworking business, and I somehow intend to write graphic novels on top of that. No idea how you're raising a kid too, you're a machine

[@spoonfulofmakeup3007]

There’s something particularly rewarding about being busy supporting learning. I recently switched from more of an engineer do-er role to an engineer teacher role and I love it!!! Like.. I’m in so many meetings and I get questions all the time and people rely on me which is a lot of pressure… but I love it! (Also recently got diagnosed with ADHD and started meds…that’s probably helping me enjoy the pace of things instead of just being attracted to it…point still stands about loving my job though)

[@markpichla5333]

Hank, while I am always happy to see you, it has been a long time since we have seen you so passionately animated in such a positive way. It is so good seing you be "HANK!" again! May the breeze be blowing you along in the best way possible and as always thank you for all that you, John and the complexly team are doing! You are all so amazing!

[@TheBeccabus]

Ohhhh my gosh. I think I might just send this video to everyone in my life who looks at me concerned when I tell them about the next 4 months of my life. This is exactly how I feel about my life. Sincerely, The girl who works 4 days a week, has a husband and a 3 year old, will be a bridesmaid for her sister in November, will lead an audit at work in September and October, works part time in the military, will complete a second theological subject at uni in intensive study mode and still go to the gym twice a week. Probably. All being well. Ugh, this video was so well articulated! Hope all your stuff goes smoothly! Here's to a packed life full of joy and struggle! 🥂

[@naiadis]

"I don't want to let my expectations of how I should feel limit my ability to feel how I actually feel," is the therapy point I desperately needed today. Thank you.

[@SewlockHolmes]

Recently had a talk with a therapist about how all of my projects are productive and it reminded me of what you've been discussing here. Finding the balance sure is tough but it's awesome to hear you talk about it too. I'm definitely at my best when there are a few projects with expectations in my life. Thanks!!

[@Pajali]

Absolutely. For me, it’s not the work that drains me but the random, unexpected stuff that has nothing to do with the work but still bogs down the process. I’m getting better at planning in extra “empty” time as a buffer because my fantasy of uninterrupted time rarely comes to pass. 😂

[@timothytimh4321]

I’m so glad to see your hair all back. I had to stop watching for a while. My wife has been fighting the big C (and winning). I couldn’t deal with her being sick AND you being sick. You bring me joy and calm my dainty nerves. Work and its friends have gotten a bad rap since the whole change thing that KM mentioned in Kapital. Also I like your moving air analogy. Fill your sails and move along. We love you.

[@cuttingedgeinnovationstati5208]

As the owner of two small businesses and the father of a 3-year-old daughter and husband, I'm constantly feeling like this video was made specifically for me. Hank. Glad that we all are not alone both in life and our mental status of how we view ourselves in the world.

[@SuperionMaximus]

Glad to hear I'm not alone with this "good amount of stress" kind of thing. At work - I work in the service industry with a lot of customers -, when business is slow and not much happens during a day, I come home feeling bad, underwhelmed. When things are hectic, even if there are issues or complaints, fundamentally those get sorted out, and in the end I always feel that the effort was worth it, and that kind of stress just makes me want to go back for more. What ends up pushing me from "just the right amount of whelmed" to overwhelmed are issues with coworkers and bosses. Unfortunate.

[@westcoastweaver8403]

I started regretting every decision I ever made at my last job. I thrive on making order out of chaos, but there are limits. My last job got to the point where if just didn't end. Not in an everyday way, but in a "my boss is calling at 9pm because work," kind of way. I left. I got a new job, and that new job also has ridiculous amounts of chaos. But it also has very strict rules about not talking work outside of work. I get what I need, and once I'm off the clock, I don't have to think about work at all.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

I retired from a COO position. I went nuts. I had to take a job as a parts store manager to feed me enough chaos. Needing a little bit of a storm is exactly how I'd describe it.

[@organicgrains]

I prefer gusts and lulls with the occasional madness storm, over the constant steady breeze. Consistency = boredom which for me is the enemy of productivity. Pressure to find solutions for unsolvable issues drives me to the "oh yes we can" height of my own capacity and I like it. With that being said, I applaud people who can live in or prefer stability. Imo they are a brave bunch. It seems to me that humanity needs both the stress drive and the comfort drive to excel.

[@mattisme]

I won't be able to afford any of the amazing extras this year but from a library worker on strike, thanks to everyone at Complexly and everyone else involved for continuing to make such amazing educational content, and for working so hard to keep it all free and accessible to all.

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Solidarity with you and your co-workers! Unfortunately, this seems to be the only way to get our grievances recognized, whatever they may be, and still the powers that be may turn a deaf ear. Much respect, as well, for you who are fighting on the frontline for our free access to books and creative works representing our broad spectrum of thought and belief in this country. May you get what your bargaining for ✊💜

[@TennisSam73]

I have never felt so deeply seen by a video. This is EXACTLY how I feel when I take on a ton of projects - incredibly satisfied and accomplished until trees start falling down!

[@NintendoCapriSun]

There are times when you get that nervous, gnarly feeling in your stomach, and in the moment, you feel so alive.

[@outfitmadeofawesome]

I'm glad you said this. I am also a person like this--I kind of love stress and creating lots of things. During grad school, I got really burnt out and was then faced with a chorus of "I told you so" from everyone who told me for many years that doing a lot = doing too much. It is true that I reached beyond my limit in grad school, but it's been so hard and depressing for me since then, because I had to kind of eliminate activities to heal. It is good to be reminded that some of us prefer a strong wind.

[@KuraiKaNinja]

on expectations vs reality of feelings: this hit me especially hard as someone eho is chronically ill and tends to err too much on the side of caution, bc i *expect* myself to be symptomatic, isntead of just listening to my body tell me when i start to feel icky. im so afraid of overdoing it, i end up not doing the things that i really want to or that excite me bc im worried i'll have to tap out half way through or inconvenience someone by saying i cant go any further - but in reality i only need to fully stop like 5% of the time. yes i usually need to a take a short break and rest at some point, but i shouldnt be letting that stop me from living my life. ❤

[@PirateBug59]

"This behavior isn't problem for me IF things are going okay. It only becomes a problem when 2 or 3 of the things start to go wrong at the same time and I simply can't fix things faster than they are breaking." ....I feel this in my bones. This is great! This is all good! Until things start going not as planned...

[@emilycaballero6052]

I feel this. If I'm left to just relax for long periods of time, the ennui takes over and makes me feel like crap.

[@MerryMoss]

_"I don't wanna let my expectations of how I SHOULD feel, limit my ability to feel how I ACTUALLY feel."_ - this right here! 💚

[@Apledore]

Yes! As someone who feels off-kilter when there isn't an obvious next project to throw myself into, I 100% back you up on this. And I can't stand it when people tell me I "need" to not take on so many things. Like, why can't they see the value in the finished product? The joy brought on by staring at what you've accomplished? I have definitely overbooked myself, yes, but that's better than laying around.

[@GabrielaCushenan]

4:25 "I don't want to let my expectations of how I should feel limit my ability to feel how I actually feel." YES I feel this to my core, so often easier said than done.

[@jasonremy1627]

As someone who has taught with Project Lead The Way for like 7 years, I'm really excited that you're speaking at the annual summit. Sadly, I can't be there, but they are a great organization and their mission aligns with yours very well.

[@distinctivedarcie]

This is so comforting to hear because I have very caring friends who think I do too much but don’t understand how bored and unhappy I would be without many many tasks. I too thrive under just enough chaos.

[@jungersrules]

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." ~J. Krishnamurti. Being kind includes YOU. That means no judgment of ourselves. Accept yourself as you are now. Yes, be honest with yourself since that's where change can start. And by change I don't mean grandiose leaps and bounds, or setting amazing goals. Rather, change how you feel about yourself, your struggles. We humans make life very complicated in our heads. We forget we are human BEINGS and not human DOINGS. We're all here for a very, VERY short time.

[@cheeseburger2k891]

Only a minute in but I think your point about stress being like the wind is really insightful. I was fortunate enough to have a class in school that gave us mental health resources, and one of the things that's stuck with me all these years was the concepts of Eustress and Distress. Distress is the obvious kind of stress that everyone thinks about with stress, but Eustress are positive stressors that do cause you stress but that stress is what propmts humans to do stuff, so things like deadlines or schedules, those are examples of Eustress. Anyway, good video, glad you're good and I hope anyone reading this has a tasty lunch!

[@GBEZ]

Seeing you going through this and be honest about it all makes me feel sooooo much better about my life. This was incredibly personal for me and I appreciate it. I just got recharged because I feel like I'm not far behind where my internet hero is, and that's so reassuring.

[@hollygerber]

Hank, have you been sitting in on my therapy sessions?! (And somehow taking notes on what I'm thinking but don't know how to express?)

[@TCKMediaProd]

This is a conversation I've had multiple times when talking about my professional life. I'm miserable when I have nothing to do and can't be productive because of whatever corporate/bureaucratic process is keeping from doing my job. I like when things are chaotic, when there is a problem to be solved, and things are being made/getting done. I hate having to just sit around and wait for an approval, told I can't move forward till someone looks at it and there are artificial hurdles that exist because it needs to be vetted by people who don't understand the process or product.

[@MadelineWilson611]

Wow, I think this pretty closely describes how I feel about stress and wanting to be busy and wanting to do all the things. I've been struggling to put it into words for a long time. Thanks, Hank!

[@bcschafer]

I loved this video because I have been having this same realization in my life recently and I have to say, good on you for figuring it out at 44, I’m 60 and just figuring it out. All the best to you in your work and life, Hank.

[@lucyrhymes]

I need this video to become a series. I am the person who like storms, I was in metaphorical (and literal) hurricanes for 24 of my 25 years, and now that I can slow down, I'm realizing I don't really WANT to. I'm learning how to do that in healthy ways, but it is hard for my friends and family to understand sometimes.

[@JordanLeigh]

WARNING: spammer in the replies with a translation comment depicting violent sexual assault of children. Please report their comments y'all. Edit: tweeted to Hank and John, and John blocked and reported them. But be hesitant to translate comments that are being posted to multiple replies, just in case they make more accounts to subvert the ban. Oh and DFTBA

[@afroceltduck]

+

[@untappedinkwell]

Thank you for reporting!

[@charlierogers5403]

Had to report some of these comments on a different video, didnt even translate it just saw it was being spammed. Its so sad to see this happening in comments now.

[@untappedinkwell]

@@charlierogers5403 The mod team does work really hard, and usually we're super fast, but every once in a while a bot gets loose. Thank you for reporting!

[@DancingOceanMother]

Thank you!

[@uniquely_el]

This metaphor is *chef's kiss* because yes I love having lots of different things going on, and I honestly think I thrive with lots of positive stress...until one of the things feels too big and I suddenly wonder why I do anything at all.

[@katerow9019]

I feel this feeling so deeply. I thrive in being in stress and often times I find when the winds are getting stronger around me (in a good and healthy sense), that’s when my sense of calm takes hold.

[@Chichi-sl2mq]

I'm happy you shared this. I tend to do a lot of things at once. But having you share inspires me to actively do more.

[@Al_ate_my_soup]

This is reminding me of this thing called stress seeking I learned about in the book “Spark”. Basically, think of the reasons why we like roller coasters and it’s pretty easy to understand. As humans we receive dopamine from 2 primary sources- novelty and stress. This is because our survival depends on innovation, learning, and responding to threats (among other things) so because dopamine trains our brain to focus attention and push us towards action on things dopamine is related to stress (because we MUST respond to stress). We all have an optimal level of stress, this is called Yerkes-Dobson Law. People can differ on their optimal level of stress, people with ADHD are a prime example of this. Us ADHD folk tend to be able to hyper focus during a full out crisis instead of breaking down (of course there’s still an upper limit on how much stress you can handle) there is probably many genetic and environmental factors that inform what someones optimal stress levels are for focus and full immersion in a task (full immersion = flow states = your attentional systems working at full capacity, I hope that makes sense). But yeah that’s a bit of the psychological reason why some people enjoy high stress, it’s because it allows them to be fully entrenched in their work which can be very pleasant and rewarding. Hank, you’ve found your optimal levels of novelty and stress that makes it easy for you to fully enjoy your work. That’s awesome! For us that need high stress it can be hard to not let it get to that point where it spirals, I feel your pain. I hope to find more ways to cope with this outcome, and I hope you find those ways as well.

[@brkennedy2]

I've been following you guys since I was a high school student in 2009, and you have always had an uncanny ability to ponder aloud exactly those concepts that I need to be spending time with at each moment in my life.

[@PeriPUoMNT]

I really appreciate this perspective! I found it very hard to explain to fellow students or some labmates why I wanted the intensive research load I chose- especially when they expressed sentiments about how stressful that much responsibility or non-course material must be. It can be difficult to convey that sometimes you just have a flow and are having fun, so long as all is going well.

[@tealkerberus748]

Knowing your own appetite for adrenaline and working productively with that is .. I would say "kind of awesome" but there's no "kind of" to it. It's just AWESOME. You rock. Keep being you.

[@Duecenage]

LOVE the Creative Beast figures!! I got so many Raptors, a handful of Ceratopsians and a few Tyrannosaurs. Just immaculate detailing!

[@izzyobrien9543]

This found me at the perfect time, on break from a rush hour work shift from hell. Thanks for making me feel understood in my stress ❤ put it into perspective for me😊

[@lilluvsrocks2532]

Happy you're happy with that schedule! Pls don't feel bad about doing well 🎉

[@jessicaonymous4352]

I'm loving the curls. The massive project load is classic Hank energy, glad to have you back, bud 🙂