Jordi Segués, psychologist: "Stress arises when you have two conflicting goals."

Psychologist Jordi Segués argues that stress isn't always the result of an external stress, but often originates within us. In one of his videos published on TikTok, he compares this tension to a metal bar trying to bend in two directions at the same time. "Stress arises when you have two conflicting goals," he says. The metaphor helps us understand why, even without major responsibilities , we can feel overwhelmed or blocked.

Situations such as wanting to advance professionally and, at the same time, desiring to dedicate more time to your personal life are clear examples of this conflict. Both goals may be equally important, but if they pull in opposite directions, the result is a constant feeling of internal tension . In Segués's words, this emotional imbalance is what ultimately generates stress. Recognizing that you can't be in two places at once is the first step to alleviating this discomfort.

Choose to be able to move forward

Faced with this contradiction, the specialist proposes a simple but firm path: make a decision . First, identify which of the two goals can be set aside. And then, begin to act toward the one you truly prioritize . This formula allows you to reduce mental workload and regain clarity. "Discarding one of the two goals and taking action toward the other " is the way, according to Jordi Segués, to break the cycle of indecision that causes stress.

Without resorting to complicated explanations, the psychologist delivers a clear and direct message that has connected with thousands of people online. Instead of focusing on stress as something external, he focuses on unresolved internal conflicts . The idea that tension arises when trying to meet competing goals is especially useful in times of overexertion. His approach invites us to reflect, choose, and move forward with coherence .