A LITTLE PRESSURE

Pressure is a Privilege

Pressure is a privilege because it means there is something expected of you.  There is an expectation of you to ‘perform’ – to take some kind of action producing an anticipated outcome.

Pressure is often viewed as a negative force in our lives.  Undue pressure can be an enormous cause of stress and turmoil.  Each challenge that comes along also presents important questions that test our character, our approach to leadership, and our approach to life

The opportunity to perform under pressure, and to meet or exceed expectations is key to lifting our contribution profile over time.

If we want to win in life and leadership, we can’t skirt pressures by playing it safe

Ultimately, you can’t win if you don’t play.  When faced with exciting scenarios and situations, dealing with the stress that they bring can lead us to be more alert, alive and attentive.  It help to improve performance

WHY PRESSURE MAKES IT BETTER?

1.       Pressure makes us better

·         “necessity is the mother of invention.”

·         “pressure is the mother of performance.”

·         “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

2.      Pressure challenges us to stay honest

·         we are forced to think creatively and to problem solve on-demand

·         Embrace pressure as a challenge to uphold your character

3.       Pressure helps us engage with life more meaningfully

·         embrace all aspects of our life and leadership journey

·         “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

Pressure gives us the opportunity to experience the joys and pitfalls of life more fully and to savor them more completely.  There is such a thing as too much pressure.  You need to balance high-pressure periods with plenty of time for rest, reflection and recuperation.

Pressure can come from many different directions at once.  When you find yourself shrinking under stress, take a moment to be mindful and recognize that pressure can, indeed, be a privilege.

 

References

1.       http://conantleadership.com/3-important-reasons-why-pressure-is-a-privilege/

2.      http://www.wholeheartedleaders.com/?p=585

3.       Article by Richard Branson, pressure is a privilege, the original disruptor, SMEBiz, Monday 21 December 2015