|
.... You can skip the Billie Jean King intro and get to the meat a few paragraphs down if you want
http://www.wholeheartedleaders.com/?p=585
Excerpt:
Pressure is a privilege because it means there is something expected of you. If you are experiencing some sort of pressure, from clients, suppliers, employees, your employer, family, friends, your spouse, children, neighbours, teachers, mentors, coaches, or from anyone, there is a high likelihood it is because there is an expectation of you to ‘perform’ – to take some kind of action producing an anticipated outcome
Sure, there are some expectations that are unrealistic, or perhaps the time frame is unrealistic, but many of the pressures put on us are simply the reality of carrying responsibility. Pressure is the privilege of being responsible, of carrying responsibility, or previously proving to others that we have what it takes to come through for them. And, oftentimes, pressure is what we need to achieve our greatest results.
A scenario where you are free from any and all pressure will probably not enable you to produce your greatest results. Likewise, a scenario where you are overwhelmed by a crushing degree of pressure will not enable you to be your best. Each of us has a different capacity for handling pressure so we are all motivated by differing degrees of it. We all share one reality though; there is a certain degree of pressure that does cause us to perform at a higher level than if we were left to our own devices.
If you have ever had the privilege of being coached in a sport by a good coach, or mentoring in your work by a wise leader, you know that they enable and empower you to grow in your abilities by creating pressure-filled scenarios. We can often be surprised by what we accomplish when pushed beyond what we think we are capable of accomplishing – that’s pressure. Olympians are keenly aware of this. We have all watched as some break under the pressure of the Olympics, while others step into a new level of greatness.
Regardless of who we are and what we do, let’s shift our perspective on pressure from being something from which we want to be freed, to a gift enabling us to be better. Pressure is an indication we have others depending on us to be the best we can be. And, they are doing so because we have previously proven we have what it takes.
Yes, pressure is a privilege – let’s be grateful for it.
the key to happiness is not being rich;
it's doing something arduous and
creating something of value and then
being able to reflect on the fruits of your labor
|
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
General Discussion
