Feeling pressure or under stress when running a business is expected. Some would say it is part of the packaging that wraps around being an entrepreneur. Others would argue that neither are good. I think pressure can have a positive purpose under the right circumstances.
The story of William Tell this is a fine example of both stress and pressure. If you recall, William was made to shoot an apple with a crossbow from atop his son’s head. William experienced the pressure to conform to something he didn’t want to do. The pressure pushed him to get it right. The pressure forced him to sharpen his skills and focus his concentration. The intense pressure convinced him to have a backup plan (by way of the second hidden arrow) should something fail in his first attempt.
The son was under stress. He had absolutely no control over what was about to happen nor the eventual outcome. The son had to rely solely on his trust and faith in his father’s ability. He had to command himself to remain still when circumstances ignited the embers of worry, anxiety, and uncertainty.
In business we can choose to meet our challenges with stress (giving up total control to circumstances) or with pressure (focused, purposeful actions that use our honed skills). You’re familiar with the saying that ‘Adversity is a great motivator.’ This statement rests in the feelings of pressure as the driving force to press on.
The motivation (being enjoyment and positive public pressure) drives us to stick to something. Continue trying. Never give up when it becomes hard.
I encourage you to lay stresses aside – those things you have no control over – and squarely place your focus on being motivated by pressures you face in the workplace. An example of a positive pressure motivator is telling a friend about a goal you want to achieve and ask that person to check in with you – hold you accountable. See how knowing you’ll be asked can feel like pressure but will act as a motivator to move you closer to your goals. That’s a good thing for your business.