Stacking: The Hidden Pressure That Disrupts Your Life and Performance

Have you ever reached a point where you feel completely overwhelmed, and yet nothing "big" has really happened? You’re not alone. This common and powerful experience is what we call stacking.

Stacking refers to the gradual build-up of small, manageable frustrations that, over time, lead to emotional overload. While each individual challenge—like a missed deadline, a broken appliance, or a change in school routine—might seem insignificant, their accumulation can cause a breakdown in behaviour, mindset, and motivation. Eventually, something minor—like misplacing your keys—can trigger a reaction that feels completely disproportionate. You might say or do something that doesn’t feel like “you.” That’s stacking in action.

Stacking doesn’t only happen in the short term. Long-term frustrations, such as a career mismatch, an unsatisfying routine, or an unresolved personal situation, can quietly wear you down. The result? A slow decline in energy, relationships, productivity, and overall wellbeing.

At Gap Cognition, we help clients identify the early signs of stacking and break the cycle before it leads to burnout or disengagement. Through data-driven behavioural coaching and personalised development plans, we provide strategies to manage your energy, address root causes, and restore control over your emotional and professional life.

If you feel like you’re constantly under pressure—or like you've lost touch with your usual self—it may be time to act. You don’t have to stay stuck.

📩 Reach out today and let’s rebuild your clarity, balance, and motivation.

Michelle de Villiers Career & Fulfilment Coach

michelle@gapcognition.co.za

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