We all have to deal with pressure at work and at home. Whether it’s meeting a goal for the day or sticking to a deadline, pressure is a constant part of our lives.

One of the things that many people notice about working under pressure, especially those who don’t handle stress well, is the more important a deadline is, the more pressure it puts on you to get it done.

The Pressure Paradox

The most experienced, able people are more likely to fail under pressure, even when their performance is otherwise top-notch. This is called the pressure paradox, and it is a fact of life that plagues everyone who has to perform under pressure. Continue reading →

We’ve all been there. The deadline is looming and we’ve barely begun to work. We all recognize that feeling in the pit of our stomach as we settle down to work. But, does pressure have to lead to stress? And, what does stress actually do to our motivation and focus?

Stressed Sick

We know for a fact that stress from psychological pressure effects our bodies. It leads to higher blood pressure, anxiety, and a host of other symptoms. It also makes it really, really hard to concentrate on the task at hand.

If you’re feeling pressure at work, and it’s leading to stress, then you probably aren’t at your most effective. You might be missing deadlines or making mistakes, or even worried yourself sick and had to take a personal day. All of these things can be caused by stress from psychological pressure. Continue reading →