Think Clearly and Logically Under Pressure
In order to set the stage for clear logical thought (evaluation) under pressure, you have to be able to control your panic reaction to a situation - for just a few seconds! A few seconds is all the time you will ever need to come to a clear decision, normally. Perhaps you do not give yourself this breathing space, but you can, almost always unless everything is completely out of your hands, in which case - scream!
Contents
Steps
- Stop whatever you are doing-just for 2 or 3 seconds. Look at the cause of the pressure, whatever it is, and begin to ask yourself these questions: What are the pressures I am being put under here? Is it prioritising or simply time control? If required, give yourself more time. Maybe few minutes.
- Prioritise. When faced with too many problems at once it is normal to lose focus and panic. However, think what needs your immediate attention. What is it that cannot wait and if neglected can have a long term impact. For example at work you may have an important presentation that will decide your promotion and on the very same day your child has a performance at his/her school that you cannot miss. In such a situation it is best to think practically and not emotionally. If you get a promotion you will in the future be in a better position to attend all your child's performances in school. But if you do not have a job your child won't be able to afford school in the first place. Remember to be practical. If prioritising, what needs to come first in order to allow other things to follow quickly (if the office is on fire the first priority is to unlock the door!) this may allow escape. Smashing a window would introduce more air to the flames. Not a good idea!
- If time control, ask yourself (quietly) which item can I really afford to omit in order to get back on track? Which action/activity is really holding me back, delaying me? And then be brutal - whatever it is cut it!
Tips
- Think about worst case scenarios in your free time. Make your mind accustomed to fictitious pressure so that when pressure hits you won't panic.
- Take deep breaths and assess the situation.
- Visualise "doing things without pressure".
Warnings
- Don't get overconfident and make mistakes.
