Too often people underestimate the time given to them. For example, in terms of handling a job deadline; when given a certain task and the due date is coming closer, employees often feel a huge pressure on their jobs, which then lead to frustration. These pressures, then, create a life-long effect on employees’ wellbeing, performance, and productivity.

A survey from the Mental Health Foundation found that choking and suffering from a never-ending under pressured situation can result in stress. Of course, everyone knows that stress is a major problem of all illness – and continuously involving yourself in an under pressure situation can cause stress.

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Sian Beilock, president of Barnard College, explained that for some reasons, it is not surprising for some individuals to be in a stressful situation. What they usually worry about is the consequences and what others will think of them. Oftentimes, they are too concerned about performing at their best. Then, individuals try and control aspects that are best on an autopilot. Consequently, they mess up.

Thus, it can be concluded that under pressured situation + stress = messed up performance.

What should we do to overcome or stay away from the mess, then?

The best choice is by understanding that the state of under pressure all comes from the brain. When your brain messes up and/or is under pressure, you will likely be in a mess up situation. The strategy is quite simple, you need to unhook your brains to avoid the events. How to do that?

Beilock suggested that unhooking brain is sometimes as simple as singing a song or paying attention to one’s pinky toe. We can also find some other mindless activity that can help take your mind off the details of what you are trying to do. Here are examples of the mindless activity Beilock suggested.

You can close the gap between training and competition – It means you should practice under the conditions where you know you will perform under. For example, you are preparing for an important meeting. You can improve your performance by delivering your presentation in front of a video camera or mirror. Asking people who are a passive listener to hear your presentation will also be useful and helpful. Your intuition and ability to become accustomed to what it will feel like in an under pressured situation will make a difference whether you choke or thrive.

You can also rid from all the self-doubts that creep up in pressure-filled situations – A numerous researchers have discovered that simply writing down all your worries and thoughts on stressful events can help download them from your minds. It will make it less likely to pop up and distract you during the moments that count.

Lastly, what matters the most is not about the situation, but it is about how to overcome your limits when it mattered the most, added Beilock.

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