Some people thrive on calm.
Me? I thrive on pressure. Give me a deadline, a high-stakes project, or a room full of spinning plates, and I’m at my best. It’s when things slow down, when the pressure eases off, that I feel the pinch.
According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, stress isn’t all bad. A little bit of it can boost performance and focus, creating a sweet spot where you feel energised and capable. We all know what can happen under too much pressure, but what happens when the pressure disappears altogether? That’s where I’ve had to learn the most. When the stakes are low, I’ve found it’s easy to lose momentum. Without urgency, tasks that should take minutes start dragging into hours because they just don’t feel important anymore.
Whether a team experiences periods of high or low pressure, I’ve learned that humour, perspective, and a focus on team wellbeing become my secret weapons. For me, it’s not just about staying productive – it’s about keeping the team connected, light-hearted, and ready for whatever comes next.
The American Psychological Association notes that stress at optimal levels can improve performance and motivation. Too little, however, can lead to disengagement, while too much tips the scale into burnout. Striking that balance is where the magic happens.
How do we stay balanced in the ups and downs?
Here’s what I’ve learned about finding focus, humour, and perspective; whether the pressure is on or off:
- Prioritise Connection: When the pressure’s low, it’s the perfect time to focus on your team’s wellbeing. Have a laugh, celebrate small wins, and build relationships that will carry you through busier times.
- Shift Your Perspective: Use downtime to step back and reflect on what’s going well, and what you’d like to improve. It’s a chance to recalibrate before the next big push.
- Create Your Own Momentum: Set micro-goals to keep yourself and the team engaged. It could be a creative brainstorming session, a new challenge, or even a shared playlist for a productivity boost.
- Keep the Humour Alive: Laughter has a way of cutting through stress and keeping everything in perspective. Whether you’re in high-pressure mode or the quiet lull between storms, humour is your greatest ally.
Let’s Talk
Stress isn’t the enemy – it’s how we manage it that makes the difference. Finding balance, whether under pressure or in the calm, is a skill worth cultivating. If you’ve discovered ways to thrive in both high, and low pressure moments, I’d love to hear them. After all, we’re all just trying to hit that sweet spot.
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