Pressure

   How do you react under pressure? We all face it and oftentimes don’t even see it coming. It can be from a demanding client or boss, finding yourself late to an appointment or feeling the need to succeed in everything you do. How we react in the face of pressure can make a huge difference in you quality of life.

   While it may not seem like it, pressure is frequently self-imposed. Events occur, many of which are beyond our direct control. Do we rise to the occasion or fade in the face of adversity? When we take a step back to view things objectively, we put things in perspective and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

   A critical thing to do, when faced with pressure, is to resist the temptation to react immediately. Responses given or actions taken in the heat of the moment don’t always work out so well. We need to insert contemplation, even when we feel rushed to act. It may seem like there’s no time for reflection but that’s rarely the case. We only think we lack the time. It reminds me of a boss who is so busy that he doesn’t have time to hire an assistant. By failing to make the time, he or she inherently handicaps the future.

   I have begun a practice of adding a step into my decision-making processes of asking for advice in most situations. I find that by including that step, I force myself to put things in perspective and not let the pressure force me into bad decisions. When I’ve simply reacted in the past, that hasn’t always worked out so well. By thinking before acting, I ratchet down the pressure for improved results.