Working under pressure? 3 things you have to know
Being able to deal with pressure in the workplace is a highly sought-after skill. If pressure at work is part of your everyday life, you will be pleased to learn that there are things you can do to both lower the pressure and prove to others that you can handle pressure effectively.
Here are three ways to impress your boss when it gets busy at work:
Stay organized, focused and on-task.
Make an outline of a big project and break it down into manageable tasks. Keep a running “to-do” list so you don’t overlook any of the things you need to do. Prioritize your list each day so you use your time effectively by focusing on the most important things. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by unimportant or unnecessary interruptions.
Break bad habits that contribute to workplace stress
Many of us make job stress worse with negative thoughts and behavior. If you can turn around these self-defeating habits, you’ll find employer-imposed stress easier to handle.
Resist perfectionism. When you set unrealistic goals for yourself, you’re setting yourself up to fall short. Aim to do your best, no one can ask for more than that.
Flip your negative thinking. If you focus on the downside of every situation and interaction, you’ll find yourself drained of energy and motivation. Try to think positively about your work, avoid negative-thinking co-workers, and pat yourself on the back about small accomplishments, even if no one else does.
Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things at work are beyond our control, particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.
Look for humor in the situation. When used appropriately, humor is a great way to relieve stress in the workplace. When you or those around you start taking things too seriously, find a way to lighten the mood by sharing a joke or funny story.
Clean up your act. If you’re always running late, set your clocks and watches fast and give yourself extra time. If your desk is a mess, file and throw away the clutter; just knowing where everything saves time and cuts stress.
Keep regular hours, for the most part
When things get hectic at work, it is easy to prioritize work over personal well-being. Don’t. First, work is a marathon, not a sprint. Work will always be there, so identify a pace that will allow you to maintain your productivity and effectiveness. Second, avoid projecting an image that you are a slave to your work.
