Handling Pressure at Work

Hefzi Molina
Oct 16, 2018
4 min read

How do we create a smooth running system in our own personal work dynamic in order to lessen the weight of the pressures at work? The key in this endeavor is to remember that often times, the work that we accomplish reflects the careful consideration that we place on ourselves as persons and as working individuals. What do I want to put across? The point in mind is that if we work on our methods, if we work on our success, and our professional well being and tend to it, as doctors tend to a person’s health, then we can safely say that the result of our work will speak for itself and it will speak loudly in a good light. For this reason, I would like to present a series of simple steps you can follow to handle pressures at work.

Today I want to talk specifically about your soft skills before we dive into the tips.

To begin:

Maintaining professional lines of communication between coworkers is the point I want to touch upon today.

Often times, miscommunication may happen in the workplace. As a professional, you should be able to deal with communicative conflicts; sometimes however, we let our emotions take part in the taking care of issues. It is crucial that miscommunication issues are handled with an objective approach. If the miscommunication happening has to do with derogatory remarks made to you, as an individual and as a worker then you must Analyze the situation objectively, try to understand the criticism and if you feel that a line has been crossed in any regard personal or professional, be confident that you have the right to ask about this. Furthermore, write down questions and even solutions on how to enhance your professional involvement aside from any criticism.

When it comes to dealing with an issue regarding professional and personal lines being crossed you may request a meeting with the person and include someone else if you feel more comfortable, someone that you trust; a supervisor or counselor. Upon requesting a meeting, the biggest suggestion I have with this pressure related problem is to write down the exact words of the remarks you have been given and respectfully confront this person. It is always best to contact the source of your criticisms rather than spread gossip or talk behind anyone's back. I think this respectful approach says a lot about your character. In a way, you will be the one who benefits the most, because you are being proactive about your mishaps and you are making the effort to come up with solutions and at the same time you are softening any tensions with related parties.

ALRIGHT, onto the bite sized tips!

Create a weekly schedule of your pending tasks

Divide your pending tasks into: IMMEDIATE and ONGOING tasks. This way you will propel your own system of organization- having a clear list of the tasks at hand as well as the ones that need more time and elaboration can help you delegate time more effectively among all tasks. You can give precedence to some tasks over others with confidence and overall knowledge of your working landscape and time capabilities.

2. Have your browser automated to your ESSENTIAL online pages.

On your browser settings there should be an option that lists- “On start Up” - Open a specific page or set of pages, which you will be able to add yourself. This step keeps out the distractions and maximizes your delivery as you are immediately onto what is needed.

3. Put on something that inspires you or keeps you relaxed.

It may be a picture of family, a desktop background, a booklet of quotes, an audio without words or lyrics. I often put on audio of rain falling. This for some bizarre reason keeps my mind going and even inspires me throughout the day.

4. Keep a timer on for time keeping.

https://www.timeanddate.com

I love to use this timer because I can see exactly the time I have left to accomplish what’s needed. There may be many counterarguments on keeping a timer on your desk as it is a constant reminder of the less time you have. I like to think of the timer as my window of opportunity. From the time I go in, I have eight hours to work on ten to fifteen major tasks and I tell myself, if I distribute my time correctly, I can get this done within those eight hours. It keeps me on track.

5. Turn off social media.

Although I draw a lot of my inspiration from social media, I also have to say that I often go on marathons after having watched a thirty second video of a baby flipping a water bottle that lands perfectly still on a table. I warn everyone that has an inclination for adorable videos, and trendy music, to stay away from social media while at work. I hope that you have adopted some tips today. Keep working on you.