On reading this and reflecting on personal experience also, there have been instances where I've pushed myself and there have been instances where I've been und

On reading this and reflecting on personal experience also, there have been instances where I've pushed myself and there have been instances where I've been under stress. The two are not identical sets though - relatively little overlap actually. The pushing myself towards a goal or exceeding some benchmark wasn't generally stressful ... it was exhausting sure, but more thrilling than stressful. Other times when I've been stressed I haven't really enjoyed it as much as the pushing. I suppose one aspect is intrinsic motivation versus external factors. The post uses mountains as an imagery to indicate pushing yourself. Even in exactly that endeavour, I've had physical struggle, but have not felt stressed but more in tune with the climb (not a pro level by any stretch) and enjoying it at the bottom of it all. Any others who think we may be confusing "stress" with "pushing yourself"?