Understanding “pressure” as we conventionally refer to it is flawed. Too often, pressure is the lack of options. If the phrase were “Do or Die Or Get Ice Cream” it would change the intrinsic motivation of the situation. Perhaps then, we need to change the possible outcomes of any situation to include a third option and move away from the binary finality we embrace as creatures of fact. Creatively finding a third option is the difference between those who can work “under pressure” and those who will “accomplish the goal no matter what”. Strive to make yourself a member of the latter group, I do.
there’s a reason your blog is in my reader… thanks for this rant.
Ok, I guess I just didn’t expect a “motivational” post from you. Its a good point and all; I’d just expect to see in on the wall in the HR dept at Intel or something. I think the third option should be a little more “Americanized” though, like, “Do or Die or Do JUST enough to get by”.