Handling Pressure
I’ve noticed a theme this week around PRESSURE and thought I’d share.
I’m currently coaching people who are in the first 90 days of a new role and are, understandably, eager to get onboarding out the way so they can get into the work.
People are eager to make an impact (on their teams, their clients, the business) and feel proud of the work they do.
But why are we always in such a rush to do this? Do good things really come to those who wait?
I’ve noticed this in myself this week, too. Wanting answers. Not wanting to ‘waste’ time on things that aren’t relevant. And always looking for the next version or step towards my goals.
Of course, goal setting and being motivated is a good thing – it’s at the heart of a lot of the coaching conversations I have. But the trouble with a need for speed and self-imposed pressure is that it’s not good for our brains, it often means we miss things, and doesn’t set us up for success. Yes, a little bit of pressure can be good for us but too much and it can be detrimental.
But the trouble with a need for speed and self-imposed pressure is that it’s not good for our brains, it often means we miss things, and doesn’t set us up for success.
When that kind of pressure is long-term, it can turn into anxiety, stress, or even burnout. Often there are times when you must accept the process is going to be slower than you would like, but the benefits may be greater if you don’t rush and allow things to happen at their own pace.
Another common trait I see is ignoring all the stuff we’re already doing that is helping us make progress and focus on what we haven’t done, or where we need to improve. When we focus on the things we have achieved we feel a much greater sense of achievement and satisfaction and we’re more likely to stay motivated.
That might mean catching yourself when you’re rushing, taking a deep breath before answering or deciding, allowing yourself to ask more questions and not have the answer yet, trusting the process, seeing mistakes as part of the journey, and taking time every now and then to look back and celebrate your successes, however big or small.
These are all things I’ve been consciously applying to my own work, and I encourage anyone I work with to do the same. There’s also an unintended consequence here which is the fact that when we do that for ourselves it allows others around us to do the same – which is particularly important if you’re a manager or leader in a fast-paced industry.