Tips for Performing Well Under Pressure

Filed Under Productivity, Success/Career Growth

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We all deal with tight deadlines on a regular basis. Many of us work directly with some very impressive (and intimidating) executives. At times, the pressure can be overwhelming.

If you work in a position where working well under pressure is a requirement, check out the following tips to help you manage the stress and perform at your best, even under pressure of looming deadlines and high powered bosses.

Stop Procrastinating

Nothing – and I mean nothing – adds unnecessary pressure to a situation like good old fashioned procrastination. Waiting until the last minute to start working on a project is asking for everything to go wrong. If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you undoubtedly know this. Expect that there will be delays at every step. It’s always helpful to start projects much earlier than you would think necessary and set mini-deadlines along the way. Give yourself plenty of time to perform at your best. Work that is rushed is often inaccurate and low quality. Avoiding procrastination will help decrease the number of circumstances in which you are under a huge time pressure to get things done.

If you’re one of those people who “work well under pressure” and you feel you need that tight deadline to push yourself, you can always set a “fake deadline” for yourself. Make it a week earlier than the real one. That way, you still put the pressure on yourself but you’ll have some flexibility so if things go wrong, or you just need more time to check your work, you’ll have it.

Ask for Help

I don’t know why it’s so hard for us to ask for help. I guess it’s a pride thing. We all want to show that we are endlessly capable so we think that asking for help is like admitting we aren’t. Well, it’s time to get over it. Sometimes, we can’t do it all. We’re only human! When the pressure is on and you feel like you’re about to crack, you don’t have to suffer alone. Call upon your team to help you out. You help others all day long – they’ll be thrilled to show you the same support. And don’t be afraid to take them up on their offers to assist! So many times I see people drowning who refuse to take the life vest. Again, it’s a pride thing. Stop it! Just accept the help, be grateful and share the credit where it’s due. That’s perfectly acceptable in business.

Organize and Prepare

Most of us go through periods where we are extremely busy followed by short periods of calm during which we can reorganize and prepare for the next wave of action. During these lulls, be sure to use your time wisely. It can be tempting to just sit back, relax and pat yourself on the back for all your hard work. But don’t forget that this period of stillness is only temporary. Take some time to reflect on what is working well and what isn’t. Consider what projects/tasks are coming up on the horizon. Can you avoid any pressure in the future by doing some preemptive work now? How can you improve your organization system to make the next flurry of activity less stressful?

Slow Down

It can be tempting, when dealing with a heavy load of pressure, to move into “speed demon” mode. Remember that you often end up sacrificing accuracy and quality when you concern yourself with trying to move at lightning speed. It also increases your anxiety level making the pressure that much more intense. Take a minute to breathe deeply and keep your composure. Don’t allow the need for speed to rule your behaviors in critical moments. Be smart. Snap decisions aren’t always the best way to go. Don’t allow time pressure to push you into doing mediocre or unsatisfactory work.

Following these key tips will help you decrease the amount of pressure your under and better handle it when it comes along.