The first reaction most people have to working under pressure is dread. We’ve all been there, caught between a rock and a hard place with the need to deliver.
There are definitely individuals who can work under pressure quite well. Some thrive on it. The ability to work under pressure is a learned skill that has one overarching goal: Relief from feeling overwhelmed so you can focus and engage the work efficiently.
Avoid obsessing over the large task at hand. Instead, break it into parts and give each part a mini-deadline. Use clocks, timers, or other devices to keep yourself moving and on track, but decide the most critical chunk of work you must do first. Always start with what’s urgent and important. Schedule short breaks at specific times, even if they are only five minutes. Eliminate all potential distractions. Not doing so will ratchet up the pressure.
View high-pressure work as a challenge. Beat a deadline. Tap into your competitive spirit. Take steps in the future to avoid procrastination, if it played a role. Learn about yourself under pressure and how you respond to it, make adjustments and watch your efficiency increase and your stress plummet.
If you feel you can’t cope with the overwhelming pressures of work, contact you Employee Assistance Program for assistance. We provide you with personalized, confidential care.