The Pressure is On

Do you believe you get more done when you put pressure on yourself?

I've had several clients tell me recently they believe they need to feel pressured and stressed in order to get things done. If you feel this way too it's probably because it's how you're used to operating. You're afraid if you ease up on the pressure everything will fall apart.

The truth is the pressure is just making your own experience worse.

Picture your drive to work (or somewhere else you go frequently). Imagine the route you take, the traffic, the stoplights and intersections.

Let's say today you leave the house and you think you're going to be late. The route, traffic, stoplights and intersections are the same as they are every day. But today during your drive you're gripping the steering wheel, tailgating the car in front of you, swearing at other drivers for going too slow and grumbling at the red lights. By the time you get to work, you're a sweaty, stressed, grumpy mess.

Now let's picture another day where you drive to work without fear if being late. The route, traffic, stoplights and intersections are the same. But today during your drive you're listening to your favorite podcast or playlist. You leave plenty of space for other cars to merge in front of you if necessary and acknowledge their thank you wave with one in return. When you get to work, you're relaxed, smiling and ready to start the day.

You made it to work using the exact same steps in both examples. But one drive was a miserable experience and the other was a pleasant one.

When you know the steps to take, the pressure is unnecessary. You can get to the same place with ease, self-compassion and fun.