One of the hardest possible tasks a worker may face is to perform well under pressure. Others might rely on their adrenalines but it clearly doesn't help a lot when it comes to giving your best shot. Often times, a worker becomes uneasy and careless under pressure, causing worse outcomes.
While we thought most successful people worked their best when being pushed to, both Hendrie Weisinger and J.P. Pawliw-Fry, authors of "Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most," agreed that it isn't always the case. Rather, those who succeed in their journey have actually only learned to diminish the negative effects pressure thus making them perform well under such.
Pressures may come in various forms such as time limit, deadlines, quality/quantity of results and the like. Inc. Southeast Asia also added that while we feel more triggered by such, it is only actually a feeling and not a veracity. And so, in order for us to put that feeling into practical application, we must first learn to handle the effects of pressure.
Here are some of the best tips on how to perform better and handle pressure like a pro based on the 22 tactics presented in the book of Weisinger and Pawliw-Fry. Take your pen and paper out and be ready to put and absorb the following in your system:
Take the pressure as part of the challenge not a threat to your job
Many people think being put under pressure is a stance between life-and-death, causing low self-esteem, fear of failure and mistakes, poor attention, and low judgment skills. When in fact, it should be seen as a fun challenge and a chance to prove yourself on what you can do.
Thus, it is important to interpret pressure as a fuel for speeding and gearing up towards success as well as a source of strength, motivation and energy to give your best. Do not think of it as a threat that hinders your way towards triumph.
Bear a positive mind and attitude especially under pressure
Thinking negatively when working under pressure can drag your energy and creativity down which could badly affect the outcome of your tasks. Hence, the experts suggest that removing anxiety and worry from your mind and system could definitely deliver successful results.
However, this should not remove the fact that we must also think carefully of the "what ifs" and possible worse outcomes of every situation. Being able to contemplate on both possible conclusions (good and bad) will definitely lead us to the right decision, experts said.
Work on the task not on the outcome
A lot of people focus more on the outcome instead of paying attention to the job itself making it more impossible to achieve success. It is always important to think of the steps at hand and work on it first, rather than directly stare and focus on the finish line. This will help you think carefully of the procedures to be done thus avoiding skipping an important detail.
Do not lose your senses
Pressure often bring us to a point where we start to lose attention, forget things, overlook matters and even feel numb and unfocused. All these may trigger negative reactions thus providing worse results.
So when you feel you are about to be shut down by the pressure, stop for a moment, close your eyes and take a deep breath to gather back your senses. Relaxing in times of pressure is utmost important for it will keep you alive and will calm your nerves as you proceed with your task.
Working under pressure is never easy, but everyone can thrive as long as we know how to handle such with ease and confidence. Remember to always give yourself a time to contemplate, relax and think carefully of the things that you need to do prior to starting a given task, for this will surely bring you the best outcome possible. For more useful working tips and other job-related articles that will help boost your career, visit Jobs & Hire.
