7.5 How Each Colour Manages Stress
We spent a lot of time talking about stress in chapter 5. Now, let’s apply that knowledge to the colours.
Activity
Click on the speech bubbles to learn how each colour responds to stress.
Text Description
Red speech bubble:
- “I don’t have time for this – just get it done!”
- “I can’t believe this is happening! We need to fix it NOW!”
- “This is a disaster, and I refuse to let it fall apart!”
- “I don’t care how – just make it work!”
- “I’m not giving up. I’ll push through no matter what.”
Yellow speech bubble:
- “Okay, okay, we can figure this out…right? RIGHT?”
- “This is fine. Everything is fine. I’m FINE! (I’m not fine.)”
- “AHHHH. Okay. Okay. We got this. We totally got this…I think?”
- “Can someone just tell me what to do before I start spinning in circles?”
- “Okay, plan B! Wait, did we even have a plan A?”
Green speech bubble:
- “Okay, let’s just take a step back and think this through.”
- “I really don’t like this chaos. Can we just slow down?”
- “I feel like everything is out of balance, and it’s making me panic.”
- “I need to fix this before it spirals even more.”
- “Let’s stay calm. We can get through this together.”
Blue speech bubble:
- “I just need a moment to think…please.”
- “Why does this always happen? What did I do wrong?”
- “I feel like I’m drowning, and no one even notices.”
- “I feel like everything is slipping out of control.”
- “I don’t want to disappoint anyone, but this is too much.”
Red
Reds may become more controlling, impatient, or even aggressive. Their desire for swift results intensifies, causing them to push themselves and others harder. Because Reds value efficiency and progress, prolonged indecision or delay can exacerbate their stress reactions.
Yellow
Yellows tend to become scattered or disorganized when stressed. They might overcommit to ideas or try to maintain a positive front, even if they feel overwhelmed. High stress can undermine Yellow’s natural optimism, leading Yellow to take on more tasks than they can realistically manage.
Green
Greens often withdraw and avoid confrontation under stress, seeking to maintain harmony at all costs. They may internalize their worries and struggle to voice concerns. Because Greens prefer stability, any volatile environment or emotionally charged conflict can heighten their stress levels, encouraging further withdrawal.
Blue
Blues respond to stress by overanalyzing and focusing on details. They may become critical of themselves and others, striving for perfection in an attempt to regain control. Their meticulous approach can be an asset when resolving problems, but relentless scrutiny can drain energy and stall decision-making.
