Changing Pressure to Productivity: 5 tips to help you complete tasks under pressure!
Many would argue that pressure is a constant in our lives. Whether you’re a student, employee, boss, father, daughter, or any individual that fits into a certain role in this society, you probably have moments when the tension of all the tasks you feel burdened with threaten to pull you under. In most cases, this inevitable scenario leads to low motivation, broken confidence and a loss of esteem, not to mention a depressive and anxious mood.
There are those, however, who believe that they can reach their full potential only when working under an intense amount of pressure.
Thus, it is important for us to realize that an ideal world is not the one that is free from pressure, but one in which everyone is able to deal with the pressure they face in a practical and functional way that brings growth instead of downfall. Read on to find some simple yet effective tips to help you cope with completing tasks on time even when being under a great amount of pressure.
1. Stop Panicking!
First things first: Stop panicking! I know it’s easier said than done, but panicking is usually the root cause of all failure. Those negative and hopeless thoughts that take up all your energy are the reason you are unable to focus on what needs to be done. When we worry about the all the things that we haven’t done yet, we cause unnecessary stress that in turn leads to a mind-block and an inability to complete even the most trivial of tasks.
A smart way to stop yourself from excessive worrying is to grab a pen and paper and jot down every stressful thought that comes to your mind. According to Dr. James W. Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas, writing helps you to organize your thoughts and give meaning to ideas as well as reduce the endless mental cycle of the same thoughts going over and over in your mind.
So the next time you find your brain whirring away in a twisted coil of stressful thoughts, be sure to have writing material close by!
2. Break Down The Task
Sometimes the ordeal seems bigger than it actually is because we look at the whole picture at one glance, and feel it is too hard a task for us to complete. The enormity of it makes it impossible to believe it can ever be completed by the time it should, causing even more panic.
Relax and take a step back. Evaluate the main assignment and then break it down into smaller more doable tasks that each take lesser time and energy. For example, if the main job is to cook a three course meal in three hours, evaluate which meal course will take the longest time to prepare, by separating each activity and plan accordingly. Also ensure to prioritize each task depending on level of importance, as this will give you a clear indication of what needs to be done first.
Bonus Tip: Appoint a small reward for each small task that is completed to help you stay motivated and energetic!
3. Make a Timetable
Yup! You got it. The next step is to schedule yourself and make a timetable. Cliché right? Maybe. But making a timetable and following it religiously is your best chance at completing a task that has been procrastinated for so long. Once you break down your task and prioritize each task, create a plan and stick to it!
Be sure to make it as realistic as possible and to include adequate breaks within the timetable to give your mind a chance to relax so it doesn’t clog up with too much information that might end up confusing you. If you fear you will be unable to follow the schedule, get a friend or acquaintance to keep you stay on track by frequent reminders and checks on your progress. You could also keep reminders and alarms on your phone to notify you of time left, which will help you stay away from distractions and focus on what needs to be done.
4. Motivation
A factor that is often overlooked and disregarded is motivation. In reality, without motivation there is a high chance you probably won’t complete the delegated task, and even if you do, it probably won’t be of the quality expected from you. The hardest thing to maintain when being under pressure is passion for the task. And without passion, the completed project will be bland and highly lacking in originality. Therefore, keeping your spirits up and being psyched up to do the work is a critical aspect of producing quality work.
There are a number of way you can hike up your motivation level, and different methods work differently for everyone. One of the best ways is to surround yourself with motivating people who will encourage you every time you start losing hope and who will believe in you when you feel like giving up. A simple reassuring shoulder squeeze or a faithful word can go a long way in boosting your morale and giving you the confidence you need to keep you going.
So surround yourself with positive vibes and watch the wonders enfold!
5. Take Care of Yourself
Finally, do not forget that you are not a robot and deserve a good rest every once in a while. Overexerting yourself will do you no good, since you will only end up stressing yourself more and that will bring you back to square one- Panicking. Your mind and body are entitled to a rest so be sure to relax after completing each sub-task.
Also ensure you take the time to eat well, as this will help your energy levels stay high and allow you to continue working for longer before getting tired. Eat good, nutritious food instead of sugars which take a toll on the body within a few hours of consumption.
Lastly, stop breeding negative feelings about yourself and thinking you will not be able to do it. Cut yourself some slack! Be positive and believe you can!
I hope these 5 simple tips help you to stay focused and channel your pressured energy into a means of getting work done. And don’t forget: No matter how hopeless it seems, no one ever loses by constantly trying to win!
Written by: Amreen Bashir, Student at Edulink International College Nairobi
https://www.edulink.ac.ke/
