Pressure to Succeed
MOTIVATION
Especially in the last three blogs "Hamster Wheel", "Past" and "Chaos," the focus was on building a mindset for a successful future, getting closer to our goals, and dealing with obstacles. This blog addresses one of the biggest obstacles on our way to our goals: the pressure to succeed. In a world that incessantly demands performance and where we feel that pressure is coming at us from every corner of society, we additionally tend to be our harshest critic. Is this just a feeling or a self-created illusion, and do we really have to deal with the pressure from external and internal sources and struggle with it?
The societal pressure to be perfect and to constantly perform better, and the pressure we put on ourselves, are closely linked, yet not identical. They influence and reinforce each other and can be in a cyclical relationship where external pressure leads to internal pressure and vice versa.
External pressure arises from the external expectations and demands of society, family, friends, workplace, or education. This pressure is often conveyed as a series of norms that one should meet. The constant evaluation and comparison by others can create a sense of urgency and necessity to comply with these norms in order to achieve recognition, belonging, or success.
Internal pressure is the result of our own expectations, goals, and standards that we set for ourselves. It is deeply rooted in our beliefs, values, and self-image. This pressure can be shaped by external influences, but ultimately it is a personal interpretation of what we consider important and what we expect from ourselves. Internal pressure is often associated with personal ambitions, perfectionism, and the fear of not being good enough.
The interplay between external and internal pressure can lead to an intensification of the overall pressure. External pressure can be seen as "real" because it consists of measurable, observable influences that come from other people or parts of society. These influences can be concrete, such as performance goals at the workplace. Internal pressure, on the other hand, is a self-constructed "construct" created from subjective beliefs. These beliefs are based on personal experiences and self-perception. Since every person is unique, the way external pressure is processed internally can vary greatly, leading to different levels of stress. However, it is important to recognize that "constructed" does not mean "illusory" or "not real." The psychological and emotional effects of internal pressure are very real and can have profound impacts on a person's well-being, decision-making, and overall sense of life.
To cope with pressure, it's first important to recognize whether it is of external or internal nature. Strategies for managing internal pressure, such as mindfulness exercises, self-compassion, and setting realistic goals, can help identify and dismantle the constructs we impose on ourselves. Dealing with external pressure requires conscious effort to recognize and respect the boundaries between what is expected of us and what we can realistically achieve. An effective approach is to prioritize and say no when necessary and possible. This helps avoid overload and focus on what is most important for our personal growth and well-being. After all, it helps no one if we fail to meet expectations and cause new problems.
In conclusion, Matze's practical tips: Ultimately, it's up to us how much we let external and internal pressure affect us. It's important that we know our own limits and have answered for ourselves how much pressure we can handle and want to be subjected to. For some, pressure is the drive for success; others are literally crushed by it, and the saying "diamonds are formed under pressure" becomes meaningless. Nonetheless, I believe we must challenge ourselves from time to time to redefine our pain threshold and grow. It's also important to recall and remain true to the principle: "Treat others just as you would want to be treated." Be aware of yourself and your impact on your social environment, and avoid becoming the toxic external factor that makes others' lives unnecessarily difficult by imposing inappropriate expectations… stay tuned…
Sources and related links (last visit 08.3.2024):
Harvard Business Review: How to Deal with High Pressure Situations at Work
