We believe in the positive power of pressure.
When the pressure is on, people do their best work. Our heroes come through against all odds on the last page or at the end of the movie. Our attention is riveted to an athletic contest coming down to the last play at the very end.
We admire the people who thrive on pressure. We enjoy the person who puts everything off until it is almost too late. We tend to roll our eyes at the people who implement an orderly plan and budget their time wisely. We want to believe we are people who perform under pressure. We see it as a sign we are valued when we are put into situations that demand a lot from us.
We believe the most effective way to motivate other people is usually to apply pressure.
Pressure gives some benefits. Most of us can remember the idea, the solution that only emerged at the last possible opportunity.
Pressure also carries costs. We know how it feels to be stressed out all the time. We have created a society that generates increasing amounts of pressure. We work harder and longer without taking time to rest, reflect, or relax. Pressure can take a toll on all of us physically, emotionally, spiritually.
It is unlikely we will escape pressure completely. I do not believe escaping pressure permanently is our deepest need. Pressure, and how we experience it, has lessons to teach us.
For most of us, the main source of pressure in our lives is how we see ourselves. We have expectations of ourselves, and our expectations create pressure.
How do you respond to pressure?
What lessons does pressure have for you?
When do you take time to escape the pressure of work?
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