Did you know that a lack of pressure can actually increase your stress? When it comes to performance, we all know the downside of too much pressure, but have you ever thought about the downsides of not enough? Studies show that there is a sweet spot between too much pressure and not enough. In that middle zone, we have a sense of purpose and the pressure we feel is positive. When we’re on the low end of that performance zone, boredom and lack of challenge can lead to a spiral in motivation which in turn can lead to a spiral in confidence.
If you’re finding that you’re ‘dialing it in’ a little too regularly, it’s time to look for ways to bring a little bit more pressure back into your work life. Take on a new project, volunteer to organize some social activities, take a professional development course. If your workplace can’t give you the juice you need, what can you do external to bring a bit of positive pressure back into your life? Embrace pressure. It’s what brings out the best in us and forces us out of comfort zones and into our learning zone. And it’s in that learning zone that job satisfaction and – I would say – job security happens. The biggest risk you can make in your career is to get too comfortable.
What’s a risk you can take today?
