Rising to the Challenge: Tips from a Therapist About Thriving Under Pressure in the Workplace
We’d all like to say that we can check the box next to “works well under pressure” anytime we’re completing interviews or filling out job applications. Working well under pressure as a quality can have many benefits in the workplace; we all want to do well, and we all want to know that we can handle any sort of problem that comes our way regardless of intensity and difficulty. Many of us assume working well under pressure means everything comes easily to you and there’s not necessarily any stress. However, living with this assumption can easily lead to burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction with both our workplace environment as well as with ourselves. Here are some tips from a therapist on how you can thrive under pressure within the workplace:
1. Understand and Recognize the Difference Between Good vs. Bad Anxiety, Stress, and Pressure
In the workplace, anxiety, stress, and pressure can sometimes be a good thing, even if reading that sentence again, you might think “Why would I ever want to be anxious, stressed out, or put under intense pressure?” Some small amounts of anxiety, stress, and pressure are motivators; they help you to find some productivity and push you into wanting to complete a task. Signs of bad anxiety, stress, and pressure typically are when you’ll notice changes in your body such as being more irritable and angry or even withdrawing and lacking motivation in completing your work or wanting to be at work.
2. Know Your Strengths and Limitations in Relation to the End Goal
Someone who thrives under pressure typically knows what their end goal is and what is required of them to complete this goal, setting emotional attachment aside. This means understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and what you can and can’t do. Be careful of how you’re relating your competency in work to your strengths and weaknesses. Having a weakness doesn’t mean you’re a bad worker or don’t do well under pressure. It means you’re human.
3. Be Flexible and Be Careful of Spiraling When Things Go Wrong
I’ll say about ninety-five percent of things we plan for don’t go according to the plan. C’est la vie (That’s life), and that’s OK. Sometimes, we need to reframe and lower our expectations of situations. This doesn’t mean having zero standards or expectations for your work. What this means is to train yourself to be more open-minded and accepting of what actually happens vs. holding onto what we think should happen. As a “recovering perfectionist,” I know first-hand how difficult it can be when you want to do something perfectly, yet it doesn’t seem to occur this way necessarily. Flexibility in expectations saves you time in being able to redirect yourself and potentially ask for help when you may need it. It also involves recognizing that most of the time, a task does not need to be perfect to be completed well and to trust your own judgment. Spiraling does nothing but further drives you away from brainstorming new and better ways to address problems that may arise.
4. Find Support and Utilize Resources Effectively
You do not have to only rely on yourself when under pressure at the workplace, even if whatever task you may have is a “solo task.” Support may mean having to divide up tasks among your fellow co-workers, venting your frustrations to someone who is willing to listen, and gaining advice on how to proceed forward during difficulty.
5. Keep Consistent with Self-Care
Therapists can’t stress self-care enough and its importance in maintaining consistency in your overall well-being. There’s a reason all of us are recommending you take time for yourself to care for yourself. This means getting adequate exercise, eating healthy foods, doing activities you love outside of work, spending time with people you care about, getting ample amounts of sleep every night, and saying no to things when your body is telling you.
Begin Working With An Anxiety Therapist in Miami, FL
Navigating the pressures of the workplace is easier said than done. This is why our team is happy to offer support in helping you manage self-care and cope with anxiety. Our team is happy to offer across the state of Florida from our Miami, FL-based practice. Start getting support by following these steps:
Schedule an appointment with one of our anxiety therapists.
Start addressing your stress and thriving under pressure
Other Therapy Services we Offer in Miami
Anxiety therapy isn’t the only service offered. Miami Vibes Counseling Center offers support for children, adults, parents, couples, and families. This includes counseling for grief, life transitions, spirituality, trauma, and PTSD. Some of the techniques we use include ACT therapy, CBT therapy, and TF-CBT. All of these services are available both in person and through online therapy.
